HomeMy Public PortalAboutResolution 05-14 All Hazards Mitigation PlRESOLUTION NO. 05-14
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCCALL, IDAHO, DECLARING CITY SUPPORT AND ADOPTION
OF THE VALLEY COUNTY ALL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN, WHICH INCLUDES THE WILDLAND-
URBAN INTERFACE WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN.
A resolution of the City of McCall, Ida declaring City support and adoption of the Valley County All
Hazards Mitigation Plan, which includes the Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
Whereas, The City Council of McCall supports the Valley County All Hazards Mitigation Plan and
the Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan, and
Whereas, The City of McCall has participated in the development of the Valley County All
Hazards Mitigation Plan and the Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan, and
Whereas, The Valley County All Hazards Mitigation Plan and the Wildland-Urban Interface
Wildfire Mitigation Plan will be utilized as a guide for planning as related to FEMA Pre -Disaster Mitigation,
The National Fire Plan, The Healthy Forest Restoration Act, and other purposes as deemed appropriate
by the City Council of McCall,
Therefore be it resolved, that the City Council of McCall does hereby adopt, support, and will
facilitate the Valley County All Hazards Mitigation Plan and the Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire
Mitigation Plan's implementation.
Passed and approved this 3Day of July 2005
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ATTEST:
Dan Irwin, City Clerk
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CITY OF MCCALL
Valley County, Ida;
William A. Robertson, City Council President
Valley County, Idaho
1illdland-urban Interface
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Main Document
July 26„ 2004
Vision: Institutionalize and promote a countywide wildfire
hazard mitigation ethic through leadership, professionalism,
and excellence, leading the way to a safe, sustainable Valley
County.
This plan was developed by the Valley County Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Committee in cooperation with Northwest Management, Inc., 233 E. Palouse River Dr., P.O.
Box 9748, Moscow, ID 83843, Tel: 208-883-4488, www.Consulting-Foresters.com
Acknowledgments
This Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan represents the efforts and cooperation of
a number of organizations and agencies, through the commitment of people working together to
improve the preparedness for wildfire events while reducing factors of risk.
Valley County Commissioners
and the employees of Valley County
USDI Bureau of Land Management
Idaho Department of Homeland Security
Idaho Department of Lands &
Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association
To obtain copies of this plan contact:
Valley County Commissioners Office
Valley County Courthouse
219 North Main Street
County Courthouse
Cascade, ID 83611
West Central Highlands Resource
Conservation and Development Council
USDA Forest Service
Federal Emergency_ManNement Agency
Northwest Management, Inc.
Cascade City & Rural Fire Department
Donnelly City & Rural Fire Department
McCall City & Rural Fire Department
Yellow Pine Rural Fire Department
Local Businesses and
Citizens of Valley County
Phone: (208) 382-4297
Fax: (208) 382-7107
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Overview of this Plan and its Development 1
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Goals and Guiding Principles 1
1.1.1 Federal Emergency Management Agency Philosophy 1
1.1.2 Additional State and Federal Guidelines Adopted 2
1.1.2.1 National Fire Plan 3
1.1.2.2 Idaho Statewide Implementation Strategy 4
1.1.2.2.1 County Wildland Fire Interagency Group 4
1.1.2.3 National Association of State Foresters 6
1.1.2.3.1 Identifying and Prioritizing Communities at Risk 6
1.1.2.3.2 Conceptual Approach 6
1.1.2.4 Healthy Forests Restoration Act 8
1.1.3 Local Guidelines and Integration with Other Efforts 8
1.1.3.1 Valley County Comprehensive Growth and Development Plan 8
1.1.3.2 Valley County Fire Mitigation Planning Effort and Philosophy 9
1.1.3.2.1 Mission Statement 9
1.1.3.2.2 Vision Statement 10
1.1.3.2.3 Goals 10
Chapter 2: Planning Process 11
2 Documenting the Planning Process 11
2.1.1 Description of the Planning Process 11
2.2 Public Involvement 12
2.2.1 News Releases 12
2.2.1.1 Radio Messages 12
2.2.1.2 Newspaper Articles 12
2.2.2 Public Mail Survey 13
2.2.2.1 Survey Results 13
2.2.3 Committee Meetings 17
2.2.3.1 Public Meetings 24
2.2.3.1.1 Cascade Public Meeting 24
2.2.3.1.2 McCall Public Meeting 25
2.2.3.1.3 Donnelly Public Meeting 26
2.2.3.2 Meeting Notices 27
2.3 Review of the WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan 29
Chapter 3: County Characteristics & Risk Assessment 30
3 Background and Area Description 30
3.1 Demographics 30
3.2 Socioeconomics 32
3.2.1 European Settlement of Valley County 34
3.2.2 Description of Valley County 35
3.2.3 Highways 36
3.2.4 Rivers 36
3.2.5 Temperature 36
3.2.6 Geology 36
3.2.7 Recreation 37
3.2.7.1 Boise National Forest 37
3.2.7.2 Payette National Forest 37
3.2.7.3 Ponderosa State Park
3.2.7.4 Lake Cascade State Park
3.2.7.5 Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
3.2.7.6 Payette Lake
3.2.7.7 Warm Lake
3.2.7.8 Deadwood Reservoir
3.2.7.9 Idaho State Centennial Trail
3.2.7.10 Boating and Kayaking
3.2.7.11 Camping
3.2.7.12 Fishing and Hunting
3.2.7.13 Winter Sports
3.2.8 Resource Dependency
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3.3 Growth and Development 42
3.3.1 Population 42
3.4 Cultural Resources 42
3.4.1 National Register of Historic Places 43
3.5 Transportation 45
3.6 Vegetation & Climate
3.6.1 Forests
3.6.2 Monthly Climate Summaries In or Near Valley County
3.6.2.1 McCall, Idaho (105708)
3.6.2.2 Cascade, Idaho (101514)
3.6.2.3 Yellow Pine, Idaho (109951)
3.6.2.4 Deadwood Dam, Idaho (102385)
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3.7 Wildfire Hazard Profiles 50
3.7.1 Wildfire Ignition Profile 50
3.7.2 Wildfire Extent Profile 54
3.8 Analysis Tools and Techniques to Assess Fire Risk
3.8.1 Fire Prone Landscapes
3.8.2 Fire Regime Condition Class
3.8.3 Current Fire Severity
3.8.3.1 Purpose
3.8.3.2 General Limitations
3.8.4 On -Site Evaluations
3.8.5 Fuel Model Descriptions
3.8.5.1 Grass Group
3.8.5.1.1 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 1
3.8.5.1.2 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 2
3.8.5.1.3 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 3
3.8.5.2 Shrub Group
3.8.5.2.1 Fire Behavior Fuel Model
3.8.5.2.2 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 5
3.8.5.2.3 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 6
3.8.5.2.4 Fire Behavior Fuel Model
3.8.5.3 Timber Group
3.8.5.3.1 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 8
3.8.5.3.2 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 9
3.8.5.3.3 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 10
3.8.5.4 Logging Slash Group
3.8.5.4.1 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 11
3.8.5.4.2 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 12
3.8.5.4.3 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 13
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Valley County WU/ Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page ii
3.9 Wildland-Urban Interface 70
3.9.1 People and Structures 70
3.9.1.1 Fire Risk Within the WUI 73
3.9.2 Infrastructure 74
3.9.3 Ecosystems 75
3.10 Soils 76
3.11 Hydrology 76
3.12 Air Quality 78
3.12.1 Fire Mitigation Practices to Maintain Air Quality 79
Chapter 4: Summaries of Risk and Preparedness 81
4 Overview 81
4.1 Wildland Fire Characteristics 81
4.1.1 Weather 81
4.1.2 Topography 81
4.1.3 Fuels 82
4.2 Valley County Conditions 82
4.2.1 County Wide Potential Mitigation Activities 83
4.2.1.1 Prevention 83
4.2.1.2 Education 84
4.2.1.3 Readiness 84
4.2.1.4 Building Codes 85
4.3 Valley County's Wildland-Urban Interface 85
4.3.1 Mitigation Activities Applicable to all Communities 86
4.3.1.1 Homesite Evaluations and Creation of Defensible Space 86
4.3.1.2 Travel Corridor Fire Breaks 86
4.3.1.3 Power Line Corridor Fire Breaks 86
4.4 Valley County Geographic Areas 86
4.4.1 Rangeland Geographic Areas in Valley County 87
4.4.1.1 Vegetative Associations 87
4.4.1.2 Overall Fuels Assessment 88
4.4.1.3 Individual Geographic Area Assessments 88
4.4.1.3.1 East Lake Fork Geographic Area 88
4.4.1.3.1.1 Fire Potential 88
4.4.1.3.1.2 Ingress and Egress 89
4.4.1.3.1.3 Infrastructure 89
4.4.1.3.1.4 Fire Protection 90
4.4.1.3.1.5 Community Risk Assessment 90
4.4.1.3.1.6 Mitigation Activities 90
4.4.1.3.2 West Lake Fork Geographic Area 90
4.4.1.3.2.1 Fire Potential 91
4.4.1.3.2.2 Ingress and Egress 92
4.4.1.3.2.3 Infrastructure 92
4.4.1.3.2.4 Fire Protection 92
4.4.1.3.2.5 Community Risk Assessment 92
4.4.1.3.2.6 Mitigation Activities 93
4.4.1.3.3 Roseberry Geographic Area 93
4.4.1.3.3.1 Fire Potential 93
4.4.1.3.3.2 Ingress and Egress 94
4.4.1.3.3.3 Infrastructure 94
4.4.1.3.3.4 Fire Protection 94
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page iii
4.4.1.3.3.5 Community Risk Assessment 94
4.4.1.3.3.5.1 Finlandia Estates 94
4.4.1.3.3.5.2 SimpCo Estates 95
4.4.1.3.3.5.3 Paddy Flat Subdivision 95
4.4.1.3.3.6 Mitigation Activities 95
4.4.2 Forestland Geographic Areas of Valley County 96
4.4.2.1 Vegetative Associations 96
4.4.2.2 Overall Fuels Assessment 97
4.4.2.3 Individual Geographic Area Assessments 97
4.4.2.3.1 McCall Geographic Area 97
4.4.2.3.1.1 Fire Potential 98
4.4.2.3.1.2 Ingress -Egress 100
4.4.2.3.1.3 Infrastructure 100
4.4.2.3.1.4 Fire Protection 100
4.4.2.3.1.5 Community Risk Assessment 101
4.4.2.3.1.6 Mitigation Activities 102
4.4.2.3.2 Blackhawk Estates Geographic Area 103
4.4.2.3.2.1 Fire Potential 103
4.4.2.3.2.2 Ingress and Egress 104
4.4.2.3.2.3 Infrastructure 105
4.4.2.3.2.4 Fire Protection 105
4.4.2.3.2.5 Community Risk Assessment 105
4.4.2.3.2.6 Mitigation Activities 105
4.4.2.3.3 Jughandle Geographic Area 106
4.4.2.3.3.1 Fire Potential 106
4.4.2.3.3.2 Ingress and Egress 107
4.4.2.3.3.3 Infrastructure 107
4.4.2.3.3.4 Fire Protection 107
4.4.2.3.3.5 Community Risk Assessment 107
4.4.2.3.3.6 Mitigation Activities 108
4.4.2.3.4 Donnelly Geographic Area 108
4.4.2.3.4.1 Fire Potential 109
4.4.2.3.4.2 Ingress and Egress 109
4.4.2.3.4.3 Infrastructure 110
4.4.2.3.4.4 Fire Protection 110
4.4.2.3.4.5 Community Risk Assessment 110
4.4.2.3.4.5.1 Sage Meadow Estates 111
4.4.2.3.4.5.2 Hill House Loop 111
4.4.2.3.4.5.3 Dawn Drive and Westside RV Park 111
4.4.2.3.4.5.4 Day Star Road 111
4.4.2.3.4.6 Mitigation Activities 111
4.4.2.3.5 Tamarack Geographic Area 112
4.4.2.3.5.1 Fire Potential 113
4.4.2.3.5.2 Ingress -Egress 115
4.4.2.3.5.3 Infrastructure 115
4.4.2.3.5.4 Fire Protection 115
4.4.2.3.5.5 Community Risk Assessment 115
4.4.2.3.5.6 Mitigation Activities 116
4.4.2.3.6 Osprey Point Geographic Area 117
4.4.2.3.6.1 Fire Potential 117
4.4.2.3.6.2 Ingress and Egress 118
4.4.2.3.6.3 Infrastructure 118
4.4.2.3.6.4 Fire Protection 118
4.4.2.3.6.5 Community Risk Assessment 118
4.4.2.3.6.6 Mitigation Activities 118
4.4.2.3.7 Little Donner -Sugarloaf Geographic Area 119
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page iv
4.4.2.3.7.1 Fire Potential 119
4.4.2.3.7.2 Ingress and Egress 120
4.4.2.3.7.3 Infrastructure 120
4.4.2.3.7.4 Fire Protection 120
4.4.2.3.7.5 Community Risk Assessment 120
4.4.2.3.7.6 Mitigation Activities 121
4.4.2.3.8 West Mountain Geographic Area 121
4.4.2.3.9 Fire Potential 121
4.4.2.3.9.1 Ingress -Egress 122
4.4.2.3.9.2 Infrastructure 122
4.4.2.3.9.3 Fire Protection 122
4.4.2.3.9.4 Community Risk Assessment 123
4.4.2.3.9.5 Mitigation Activities 123
4.4.2.3.10 Cascade Geographic Area 123
4.4.2.3.11 Fire Potential 123
4.4.2.3.11.1 Ingress -Egress 124
4.4.2.3.11.2 Infrastructure 125
4.4.2.3.11.3 Fire Protection 125
4.4.2.3.11.4 Community Risk Assessment 125
4.4.2.3.11.5 Mitigation Activities 125
4.4.2.3.12 Pearsol-Horsethief Geographic Area 126
4.4.2.3.12.1 Fire Potential 126
4.4.2.3.12.2 Ingress -Egress 127
4.4.2.3.12.3 Infrastructure 127
4.4.2.3.12.4 Fire Protection 127
4.4.2.3.12.5 Community Risk Assessment 127
4.4.2.3.12.5.1 Little Pearsol Lane 127
4.4.2.3.12.5.2 Eagle Nest Estates 127
4.4.2.3.12.6 Mitigation Activities 127
4.4.2.3.13 Gold Dust- Alpha -Round Valley Geographic Area 128
4.4.2.3.13.1 Fire Potential 128
4.4.2.3.13.2 Ingress -Egress 129
4.4.2.3.13.3 Infrastructure 130
4.4.2.3.13.4 Fire Protection 130
4.4.2.3.13.5 Community Risk Assessment 130
4.4.2.3.13.5.1 Clear Creek Road and Cabarton Road 130
4.4.2.3.13.5.2 Round Valley 130'
4.4.2.3.13.5.3 Gold Dust Area 131
4.4.2.3.13.6 Mitigation Activities 131
4.4.2.3.14 Smith's Ferry Geographic Area 131
4.4.2.3.14.1 Fire Potential 131
4.4.2.3.14.2 Ingress -Egress 132
4.4.2.3.14.3 Infrastructure 133
4.4.2.3.14.4 Fire Protection 133
4.4.2.3.14.5 Community Risk Assessment 133
4.4.2.3.14.6 Mitigation Activities 133
4.4.2.3.15 High Valley Geographic Area 134
4.4.2.3.15.1 Fire Potential 134
4.4.2.3.15.2 Ingress -Egress 134
4.4.2.3.15.3 Infrastructure 134
4.4.2.3.15.4 Fire Protection 135
4.4.2.3.15.5 Community Risk Assessment 135
4.4.2.3.15.6 Mitigation Activities 135
4.4.2.3.16 Rural Community of Yellow Pine 135
4.4.2.3.16.1 Fire Potential 135
4.4.2.3.16.2 Ingress -Egress 136
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page v
4.4.2.3.16.3 Infrastructure 136
4.4.2.3.16.4 Fire Protection 137
4.4.2.3.16.5 Community Risk Assessment 137
4.4.2.3.16.6 Mitigation Activities 137
4.4.2.3.17 Rural Community of Warm Lake 138
4.4.2.3.17.1 Fire Potential 138
4.4.2.3.17.2 Ingress -Egress 139
4.4.2.3.17.3 Infrastructure 139
4.4.2.3.17.4 Fire Protection 139
4.4.2.3.17.5 Community Risk Assessment 140
4.4.2.3.17.6 Mitigation Activities 140
4.4.2.3.18 Big Creek — Edwardsburg 141
4.4.2.3.18.1 Fire Potential 141
4.4.2.3.18.2 Ingress -Egress 141
4.4.2.3.18.3 Infrastructure 142
4.4.2.3.18.4 Fire Protection 142
4.4.2.3.18.5 Community Risk Assessment 142
4.4.2.3.18.6 Mitigation Activities 142
4.4.2.3.19 Trails End Subdivision (formerly known as Shirley McClain Ranch) 143
4.4.2.3.19.1 Fuels Assessment 143
4.4.2.3.19.2 Ingress -Egress 143
4.4.2.3.19.3 Infrastructure 143
4.4.2.3.19.4 Fire Protection 143
4.4.2.3.19.5 Community Risk Assessment 143
4.4.2.3.19.6 Mitigation Activities 144
4.4.2.3.20 Taylor Creek Ranch 144
4.4.2.3.21 Elk Creek Ranch 144
4.4.2.3.21.1 Fire Potential 144
4.4.2.3.21.2 Ingress -Egress 144
4.4.2.3.21.3 Infrastructure 144
4.4.2.3.21.4 Fire Protection 145
4.4.2.3.21.5 Community Risk Assessment 145
4.4.2.3.21.6 Mitigation Activities 145
4.4.2.3.22 Yellow Jacket Ranch 145
4.4.2.3.22.1 Fire Potential 145
4.4.2.3.22.2 Ingress -Egress 145
4.4.2.3.22.3 Infrastructure 146
4.4.2.3.22.4 Fire Protection 146
4.4.2.3.22.5 Community Risk Assessment 146
4.4.2.3.22.6 Mitigation Activities 146
4.4.2.3.23 Lake Fork Guard Station 146
4.4.2.3.23.1 Fire Potential 146
4.4.2.3.23.2 Ingress -Egress 146
4.4.2.3.23.3 Infrastructure 147
4.4.2.3.23.4 Fire Protection 147
4.4.2.3.23.5 Community Risk Assessment 147
4.4.2.3.23.6 Mitigation Activities 147
4.5 Fire Fighting Resources and Capabilities 147
4.5.1 Wildland Fire Districts 148
4.5.1.1 Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association 148
4.5.1.2 Payette National Forest 150
4.5.1.3 Boise National Forest 150
4.5.2 Rural Fire Districts 151
4.5.2.1 McCall Fire Protection District 151
4.5.2.2 Donnelly Rural Fire Protection District 152
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page vi
4.5.2.3 Cascade Rural Fire District and EMS 152
4.5.2.4 Cascade City Fire Department 153
4.6 Issues Facing Valley County Fire Protection 153
4.6.1 Persistent Rapid Growth 153
4.6.2 Accessibility 153
4.6.3 Seasonal residents 153
4.6.4 Creation of Smith's Ferry Fire District 154
4.7 Current Wildfire Mitigation Activities in Valley County 154
4.7.1 Payette Lake Vicinity Timber Sales 154
4.7.2 Yellow Pine Fuels Reduction Project 154
4.7.3 Big Creek — Edwardsburg Fuels Reduction Project 154
4.7.4 Ponderosa State Park Fuel Reduction Projects 155
4.7.5 USDA Forest Service WUI Projects 155
Chapter 5: Treatment Recommendations 157
5 Overview 157
5.1 Possible Fire Mitigation Activities 157
5.2 WUI Safety & Policy 157
5.2.1 Existing Practices That Should Continue 158
5.2.2 Proposed Activities 159
5.3 People and Structures 160
5.4 Infrastructure 167
5.4.1 Proposed Activities 168
5.5 Resource and Capability Enhancements 168
5.6 Regional Land Management Recommendations 170
5.6.1 Railroad Right -of -Way 171
5.7 US Forest Service Planned and Potential Treatments 172
5.7.1 Payette National Forest Treatments 172
5.7.2 Boise National Forest Treatments 175
Chapter 6: Supporting Information 181
6 181
6.1 List of Tables 181
6.2 List of Figures 182
6.3 List of Preparers 182
6.4 Signature Pages 184
6.5 Glossary of Terms 186
6.6 Literature Cited 193
Valley County Will Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page vii
Chapter 1: Overview of this Plan and its Development
1 Introduction
This Wildland-Urban Interface Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan for Valley County, Idaho, is the
result of analyses, professional cooperation and collaboration, assessments of wildfire risks and
other factors considered with the intent to reduce the potential for wildfires to threaten people,
structures, infrastructure, and unique ecosystems in Valley County, Idaho. The planning team
responsible for implementing this project was led by the Valley County Commissioners.
Agencies and organizations that participated in the planning process included:
• USDI Bureau of Land Management
• USDA Forest Service
• Idaho Department of Lands
• Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association
• Tamarack Resort
• Local Fire Departments
• Valley County Planning and Zoning
• Valley County Emergency Management
• Northwest Management, Inc.
The Valley County Commissioners solicited competitive bids from companies to provide the
service of leading the assessment and the writing of the Valley County Wildland-Urban
Interface Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan. The Commissioners selected Northwest
Management, Inc., to provide this service. Northwest Management, Inc., is a professional
natural resources consulting firm located in Moscow, Idaho. Established in 1984 NMI provides
natural resource management services across the USA. The Project Manager from Northwest
Management, Inc. was Dr. William E. Schlosser, a professional forester and regional planner.
1.1 Goals and Guiding Principles
1.1.1 Federal Emergency Management Agency Philosophy
Effective November 1, 2004, a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan approved by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is required for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
(HMGP) and Pre -Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM) eligibility. The HMGP and PDM program
provide funding, through state emergency management agencies, to support local mitigation
planning and projects to reduce potential disaster damages.
The new local hazard mitigation plan requirements for HMGP and PDM eligibility is based on
the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which amended the Stafford Disaster Relief Act to promote
an integrated, cost effective approach to mitigation. Local hazard mitigation plans must meet the
minimum requirements of the Stafford Act -Section 322, as outlined in the criteria contained in 44
CFR Part 201. The plan criteria covers the planning process, risk assessment, mitigation
strategy, plan maintenance, and adoption requirements.
FEMA will only review a local hazard mitigation plan submitted through the appropriate State
Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO). Draft versions of local hazard mitigation plans will not be
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 1
reviewed by FEMA. FEMA will review the final version of a plan prior to local adoption to
determine if the plan meets the criteria, but FEMA will be unable to approve it prior to adoption.
In Idaho the SHMO is:
Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services
4040 Guard Street, Bldg 600
Boise, ID 83705
Jonathan Perry, 208-334-2336 Ext. 271
A FEMA designed plan will be evaluated on its adherence to a variety of criteria.
• Adoption by the Local Governing Body
• Multi -jurisdictional Plan Adoption
• Multi -jurisdictional Planning Participation
• Documentation of Planning Process
• Identifying Hazards
• Profiling Hazard Events
• Assessing Vulnerability: Identifying Assets
• Assessing Vulnerability: Estimating Potential Losses
• Assessing Vulnerability: Analyzing Development Trends
• Multi -Jurisdictional Risk Assessment
• Local Hazard Mitigation Goals
• Identification and Analysis of Mitigation Measures
• Implementation of Mitigation Measures
• Multi -Jurisdictional Mitigation Strategy
• Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating the Plan
• Implementation Through Existing Programs
• Continued Public Involvement
1.1.2 Additional State and Federal Guidelines Adopted
This Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan will include compatibility with FEMA
requirements while also adhering to the guidelines proposed in the National Fire Plan, the Idaho
Statewide Implementation Plan, and the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (2004). This Wildland-
Urban Interface Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan has been prepared in compliance with:
• The National Fire Plan; A Collaborative Approach for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to
Communities and the Environment 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy Implementation
Plan —May 2002.
• The Idaho Statewide Implementation Strategy for the National Fire Plan —July 2002.
• Healthy Forests Restoration Act (2004)
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Region 10 guidelines for a Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan as defined in 44 CFR parts 201 and 206, and as related to a fire
mitigation plan chapter of a Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan.
When implemented, the 10-YearComprehensive Strategy will contribute to
reducing the risks of wildfire to communities and the environment by building
collaboration at all levels of government."
The NFP 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy August 2001
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Page 2
The objective of combining these four complimentary guidelines is to facilitate an integrated
wildland fire risk assessment, identify pre -hazard mitigation activities, and prioritize activities
and efforts to achieve the protection of people, structures, the environment, and significant
infrastructure in Lewis County while facilitating new opportunities for pre -disaster mitigation
funding and cooperation.
1.1.2.1 National Fire Plan
The goals of this Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Mitigation Plan identifies opportunities to:
1. Improve Fire Prevention and Suppression
2. Reduce Hazardous Fuels
3. Restore Fire -Adapted Ecosystems
4. Promote Community Assistance
Its three guiding principles are:
1. Priority setting that emphasizes the protection of communities and other high -priority
watersheds at -risk.
2. Collaboration among governments and broadly representative stakeholders
3. Accountability through performance measures and monitoring for results.
This Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Mitigation Plan fulfills the County's part of the National Fire
Plan's 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy and the Idaho Statewide Implementation Strategy for
the National Fire Plan. The projects and activities recommended under this plan are in addition
to other Federal, state, and private / corporate forest and rangeland management activities. The
implementation plan does not alter, diminish, or expand the existing jurisdiction, statutory and
regulatory responsibilities and authorities or budget processes of participating Federal, State,
and tribal agencies.
By endorsing this implementation plan, all signed parties agree that reducing the threat of
wildland fire to people, communities, and ecosystems will require:
• Firefighter and public safety continuing as the highest priority.
• A sustained, long-term and cost-effective investment of resources by all public and
private parties, recognizing overall budget parameters affecting Federal, State, Tribal,
and local governments.
• A unified effort to implement the collaborative framework called for in the Strategy in a
manner that ensures timely decisions at each level.
• Accountability for measuring and monitoring performance and outcomes, and a
commitment to factoring findings into future decision making activities.
• The achievement of national goals through action at the local level with particular
attention on the unique needs of cross -boundary efforts and the importance of funding
on -the -ground activities.
• Communities and individuals in the wildland-urban interface to initiate personal
stewardship and volunteer actions that will reduce wildland fire risks.
• Management activities, both in the wildland-urban interface and in at -risk areas across
the broader landscape.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 3
" A c t i v e f o r e s t l a n d a n d r a n g e l a n d m a n a g e m e n t , i n c l u d i n g t h i n n i n g t h a t p r o d u c e s
c o m m e r c i a l o r p r e - c o m m e r c i a l p r o d u c t s , b i o m a s s r e m o v a l a n d u t i l i z a t i o n , p r e s c r i b e d f i r e
a n d o t h e r f u e l s r e d u c t i o n t o o l s t o s i m u l t a n e o u s l y m e e t l o n g - t e r m e c o l o g i c a l , e c o n o m i c ,
a n d c o m m u n i t y o b j e c t i v e s .
T h e N a t i o n a l F i r e P l a n i d e n t i f i e s a t h r e e - t i e r e d o r g a n i z a t i o n s t r u c t u r e i n c l u d i n g 1 ) t h e l o c a l l e v e l ,
2 ) s t a t e / r e g i o n a l a n d t r i b a l l e v e l , a n d 3 ) t h e n a t i o n a l l e v e l . T h i s p l a n a d h e r e s t o t h e c o l l a b o r a t i o n
a n d o u t c o m e s c o n s i s t e n t w i t h a l o c a l l e v e l p l a n . L o c a l l e v e l c o l l a b o r a t i o n i n v o l v e s p a r t i c i p a n t s
w i t h d i r e c t r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r m a n a g e m e n t d e c i s i o n s a f f e c t i n g p u b l i c a n d / o r p r i v a t e l a n d a n d
r e s o u r c e s , f i r e p r o t e c t i o n r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s , o r g o o d w o r k i n g k n o w l e d g e a n d i n t e r e s t i n l o c a l
r e s o u r c e s . P a r t i c i p a n t s i n t h i s p l a n n i n g p r o c e s s i n c l u d e T r i b a l r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , l o c a l
r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s f r o m F e d e r a l a n d S t a t e a g e n c i e s , l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t s , l a n d o w n e r s a n d o t h e r
s t a k e h o l d e r s , a n d c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d g r o u p s w i t h a d e m o n s t r a t e d c o m m i t m e n t t o a c h i e v i n g t h e
s t r a t e g y ' s f o u r g o a l s . E x i s t i n g r e s o u r c e a d v i s o r y c o m m i t t e e s , w a t e r s h e d c o u n c i l s , o r o t h e r
c o l l a b o r a t i v e e n t i t i e s m a y s e r v e t o a c h i e v e c o o r d i n a t i o n a t t h i s l e v e l . L o c a l i n v o l v e m e n t ,
e x p e c t e d t o b e b r o a d l y r e p r e s e n t a t i v e , i s a p r i m a r y s o u r c e o f p l a n n i n g , p r o j e c t p r i o r i t i z a t i o n , a n d
r e s o u r c e a l l o c a t i o n a n d c o o r d i n a t i o n a t t h e l o c a l l e v e l . T h e r o l e o f t h e p r i v a t e c i t i z e n i s n o t t o b e
u n d e r e s t i m a t e d , a s t h e i r i n p u t a n d c o n t r i b u t i o n t o a l l p h a s e s o f r i s k a s s e s s m e n t s , m i t i g a t i o n
a c t i v i t i e s , a n d p r o j e c t i m p l e m e n t a t i o n i s g r e a t l y f a c i l i t a t e d b y t h e i r i n v o l v e m e n t .
1 . 1 . 2 . 2 I d a h o S t a t e w i d e I m p l e m e n t a t i o n S t r a t e g y
T h e S t r a t e g y a d o p t e d b y t h e S t a t e o f I d a h o i s t o p r o v i d e a f r a m e w o r k f o r a n o r g a n i z e d a n d
c o o r d i n a t e d a p p r o a c h t o t h e i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f t h e N a t i o n a l F i r e P l a n , s p e c i f i c a l l y t h e n a t i o n a l
" 1 0 - Y e a r C o m p r e h e n s i v e S t r a t e g y I m p l e m e n t a t i o n P l a n " .
E m p h a s i s i s o n a c o l l a b o r a t i v e a p p r o a c h a t t h e f o l l o w i n g l e v e l s :
" C o u n t y
" S t a t e
W i t h i n t h e S t a t e o f I d a h o , t h e C o u n t i e s , w i t h t h e a s s i s t a n c e o f S t a t e a n d F e d e r a l a g e n c i e s a n d
l o c a l e x p e r t a d v i c e , w i l l d e v e l o p a r i s k a s s e s s m e n t a n d m i t i g a t i o n p l a n t o i d e n t i f y l o c a l
v u l n e r a b i l i t i e s t o w i l d l a n d f i r e . A S t a t e w i d e g r o u p w i l l p r o v i d e o v e r s i g h t a n d p r i o r i t i z a t i o n a s
n e e d e d o n a s t a t e w i d e s c a l e .
T h i s s t r a t e g y i s n o t i n t e n d e d t o c i r c u m v e n t a n y w o r k d o n e t o d a t e a n d i n d i v i d u a l C o u n t i e s
s h o u l d n o t d e l a y i m p l e m e n t i n g a n y N a t i o n a l F i r e P l a n p r o j e c t s t o d e v e l o p t h i s c o u n t y p l a n .
R a t h e r , C o u n t i e s a r e e n c o u r a g e d t o i d e n t i f y p r i o r i t y n e e d s q u i c k l y a n d b e g i n w h a t e v e r a c t i o n s
n e c e s s a r y t o m i t i g a t e t h o s e v u l n e r a b i l i t i e s .
I t i s r e c o g n i z e d t h a t i m p l e m e n t a t i o n a c t i v i t i e s s u c h a s ; h a z a r d o u s f u e l t r e a t m e n t , e q u i p m e n t
p u r c h a s e s , t r a i n i n g , h o m e o w n e r e d u c a t i o n , c o m m u n i t y w i l d l a n d f i r e m i t i g a t i o n p l a n n i n g , a n d
o t h e r a c t i v i t i e s , w i l l b e o c c u r r i n g c o n c u r r e n t l y w i t h t h i s C o u n t y w i d e p l a n n i n g e f f o r t .
1 . 1 . 2 . 2 . 1 C o u n t y W i l d l a n d F i r e I n t e r a g e n c y G r o u p
E a c h C o u n t y w i t h i n t h e s t a t e h a s b e e n r e q u e s t e d t o w r i t e a W i l d l a n d F i r e M i t i g a t i o n P l a n . T h e s e
p l a n s s h o u l d c o n t a i n a t l e a s t t h e f o l l o w i n g f i v e e l e m e n t s :
1 ) D o c u m e n t a t i o n o f t h e p r o c e s s u s e d t o d e v e l o p t h e m i t i g a t i o n p l a n . H o w t h e p l a n w a s
d e v e l o p e d , w h o w a s i n v o l v e d a n d h o w t h e p u b l i c w a s i n v o l v e d .
V a l l e y C o u n t y W U I W i l d f i r e M i t i g a t i o n P l a n P a g e 4
2) A risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities to wildfire in the wildland-urban interface
(WUI).
3) A prioritized mitigation strategy that addresses each of the risks. Examples of these
strategies could be: training for fire departments, public education, hazardous fuel
treatments, equipment, communications, additional planning, new facilities, infrastructure
improvements, code and/or ordinance revision, volunteer efforts, evacuation plans, etc.
4) A process for maintenance of the plan which will include monitoring and evaluation of
mitigation activities annually
5) Documentation that the plan has been formally adopted by the involved agencies.
Basically a signature page of all involved officials.
This five -element plan is an abbreviated version of the FEMA mitigation plan and will begin to
meet the requirements for that plan. To develop these plans each county should bring together
the following individuals, as appropriate for each county, to make up the County Wildland Fire
Interagency Group. It is important that this group has representation from agencies with wildland
fire suppression responsibilities:
• County Commissioners (Lead)
• Local Fire Chiefs
• Idaho Department of Lands representative
• USDA Forest Service representative
• USDI Bureau of Land Management representative
• US Fish and Wildlife representative
• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• Local Tribal leaders
• Bureau of Disaster Services
• LEPC Chairperson
• Resource Conservation and Development representative
• State Fish and Game representative
• Interested citizens and community leaders as appropriate
• Other officials as appropriate
Role of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (RC&D): If requested by the
County Commissioners, the local RC&D's may be available to assist the County Commissioners
in evaluating each County within their council area to determine if there is a wildland fire
mitigation plan in place, or if a plan is currently in the development phase. If no plan is in place,
the RC&D's, if requested, could be available to assist the Commissioners with the formation of
the County Wildland Fire Interagency Group and/or to facilitate the development of wildland fire
mitigation plan.
If a plan has been previously completed, the Commissioners will determine if the recommended
five elements have been addressed. The Counties will provide a copy of the completed
mitigation plan to the Idaho Department of Lands National Fire Plan Coordinator, which will
include a contact list of individuals that developed the plan.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 5
1.1.2.3 National Association of State Foresters
1.1.2.3.1 Identifying and Prioritizing Communities at Risk
This plan is written with the intent to provide the information necessary for decision makers
(elected officials) to make informed decisions in order to prioritize projects across the entire
county. These decisions may be made from within the council of Commissioners, or through the
recommendations of ad hoc groups tasked with making prioritized lists of projects. It is not
necessary to rank projects numerically, although that is one approach, rather it may be possible
to rank them categorically (high priority set, medium priority set, and so forth) and still
accomplish the goals and objectives set forth in this planning document.
The following was prepared by the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), June 27,
2003, and is included here as a reference for the identification of prioritizing treatments between
communities.
Purpose: To provide national, uniform guidance for implementing the provisions of the
"Collaborative Fuels Treatment" MOU, and to satisfy the requirements of Task e, Goal 4 of the
Implementation Plan for the 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy.
Intent: The intent is to establish broad, nationally compatible standards for identifying and
prioritizing communities at risk, while allowing for maximum flexibility at the state and regional
level. Three basic premises are:
• Include all lands and all ownerships.
• Use a collaborative process that is consistent with the complexity of land ownership
patterns, resource management issues, and the number of interested stakeholders.
• Set priorities by evaluating projects, not by ranking communities.
The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) set forth the following guidelines in the
Final Draft Concept Paper; Communities at Risk, December 2, 2002.
Task: Develop a definition for "communities at risk" and a process for prioritizing them, per the
Implementation Plan for the 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy (Goal 4.e.). In addition, this
definition will form the foundation for the NASF commitment to annually identify priority fuels
reduction and ecosystem restoration projects in the proposed MOU with the federal agencies
(section C.2 (b)).
1.1.2.3.2 Conceptual Approach
1. NASF fully supports the definition of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) previously
published in the Federal Register. Further, proximity to federal lands should not be a
consideration. The WUI is a set of conditions that exists on, or near, areas of wildland
fuels nation-wide, regardless of land ownership.
2. Communities at risk (or, alternately, landscapes of similar risk) should be identified on a
state -by -state basis with the involvement of all agencies with wildland fire protection
responsibilities: state, local, tribal, and federal.
3. It is neither reasonable nor feasible to attempt to prioritize communities on a rank order
basis. Rather, communities (or landscapes) should be sorted into three, broad
categories or zones of risk: high, medium, and low. Each state, in collaboration with its
local partners, will develop the specific criteria it will use to sort communities or
landscapes into the three categories. NASF recommends using the publication
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 6
"Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Hazard Assessment Methodology" developed by the
National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Protection Program (circa 1998) as a reference
guide. (This program, which has since evolved into the Firewise Program, is under the
oversight of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)). At minimum, states
should consider the following factors when assessing the relative degree of exposure
each community (landscape) faces.
• Risk: Using historic fire occurrence records and other factors, assess the
anticipated probability of a wildfire ignition.
• Hazard: Assess the fuel conditions surrounding the community using a
methodology such as fire condition class, or [other] process.
• Values Protected: Evaluate the human values associated with the community or
landscape, such as homes, businesses, and community infrastructure (e.g. water
systems, utilities, transportation systems, critical care facilities, schools,
manufacturing and industrial sites, and high value commercial timber lands).
• Protection Capabilities: Assess the wildland fire protection capabilities of the
agencies and local fire departments with jurisdiction.
4. Prioritize by project not by community. Annually prioritize projects within each state using
the collaborative process defined in the national, interagency MOU "For the
Development of a Collaborative Fuels Treatment Program". Assign the highest priorities
to projects that will provide the greatest benefits either on the landscape or to
communities. Attempt to properly sequence treatments on the landscape by working first
around and within communities, and then moving further out into the surrounding
landscape. This will require:
• First, focus on the zone of highest overall risk but consider projects in all zones.
Identify a set of projects that will effectively reduce the level of risk to communities
within the zone.
• Second, determining the community's willingness and readiness to actively
participate in an identified project.
• Third, determining the willingness and ability of the owner of the surrounding land to
undertake, and maintain, a complementary project.
• Last, set priorities by looking for projects that best meet the three criteria above. It is
important to note that projects with the greatest potential to reduce risk to
communities and the landscape may not be those in the highest risk zone,
particularly if either the community or the surrounding landowner is not willing or able
to actively participate.
5. It is important, and necessary, that we be able to demonstrate a level of accomplishment
that justifies to Congress the value of continuing the current level of appropriations for
the National Fire Plan. Although appealing to appropriators and others, it is not likely that
many communities (if any) will ever be removed from the list of communities at risk.
Even after treatment, all communities will remain at some, albeit reduced, level of risk.
However, by using a science -based system for measuring relative risk, we can likely
show that, after treatment (or a series of treatments), communities are at "reduced risk".
Similarly, scattered, individual homes that complete projects to create defensible space could be
"counted" as "households at reduced risk". This would be a way to report progress in reducing
risk to scattered homes in areas of low priority for large-scale fuels treatment projects.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 7
Using the concept described above, the NASF believes it is possible to accurately assess the
relative risk that communities face from wildland fire. Recognizing that the condition of the
vegetation (fuel) on the landscape is dynamic, assessments and re -assessments must be done
on a state -by -state basis, using a process that allows for the integration of local knowledge,
conditions, and circumstances, with science -based national guidelines. We must remember that
it is not only important to lower the risk to communities, but once the risk has been reduced, to
maintain those communities at a reduced risk.
Further, it is essential that both the assessment process and the prioritization of projects be
done collaboratively, with all local agencies with fire protection jurisdiction — federal, state, local,
and tribal — taking an active role.
1.1.2.4 Healthy Forests Restoration Act
On December 3, 2003, President Bush signed into law the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
2003 to reduce the threat of destructive wildfires while upholding environmental standards and
encouraging early public input during review and planning processes. The legislation is based
on sound science and helps further the President's Healthy Forests Initiative pledge to care for
America's forests and rangelands, reduce the risk of catastrophic fire to communities, help save
the lives of firefighters and citizens, and protect threatened and endangered species.
Among other things the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA):
• Strengthens public participation in developing high priority projects;
• Reduces the complexity of environmental analysis allowing federal land agencies to use
the best science available to actively manage land under their protection;
• Creates a pre -decisional objections process encouraging early public participation in
project planning; and
• Issues clear guidance for court action challenging HFRA projects.
The Valley County Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan is developed to adhere to
the principles of the HFRA while providing recommendations consistent with the policy
document which should assist the federal land management agencies (US Forest Service and
Bureau of Land Management) with implementing wildfire mitigation projects in Valley County
that incorporate public involvement and the input from a wide spectrum of fire and emergency
services providers in the region.
1.1.3 Local Guidelines and Integration with Other Efforts
1.1.3.1 Valley County Comprehensive Growth and Development Plan
The Valley County Comprehensive Growth and Development Plan (June 25, 2001) is a guide
that establishes goals and objectives to help the County grow and develop. The Valley County
Comprehensive Plan includes a forecast of conditions that are anticipated to occur within the
next twenty -five-year period, 2000 to 2025. The Plan addresses and includes all 14
comprehensive planning components of the "Idaho Local Planning Act of 1975" as
supplemented and amended.
Planning is an ongoing process. Conditions and priorities change; consequently the plan will
be reviewed regularly and revised when necessary. The 14 planning components included in
the Valley County Comprehensive Growth and Development Plan include:
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 8
1. Population
2. Private Property Rights
3. Natural Resources
4. Hazardous Areas
5. Special Areas and Sites
6. Transportation
7. Housing
8. Community Design
9. Economic Development
10. Recreation and Open Space
11. Public Facilities, Utilities, and Services
12. Education
13. Land Use
14. Implementation
Within each chapter of the comprehensive plan are goals and objectives, which help establish
development guidelines and public policy. Goals are defined as statements, which indicate a
general aim or purpose to be achieved. Goals reflect countywide values. Objectives are defined
as guidelines, which establish a definite course to guide present and future decisions. The
Valley County Comprehensive Plan is directed toward all land within the County including
Federal, State, Public and Private lands.
This Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan will "dove -tail" with the County's
Comprehensive Plan during its development and implementation to insure that the goals and
objectives of each are integrated together. In many sections of this document, direct reference
will be made to specific recommendations that are amplified or enhanced in this document. This
planning effort fully adopts the goals and objectives of the County's Comprehensive Plan.
1.1.3.2 Valley County Fire Mitigation Planning Effort and Philosophy
The goals of this planning process include the integration of the National Fire Plan, the Idaho
Statewide Implementation Strategy, the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, and the requirements
of FEMA for a county -wide Fire Mitigation Plan which will be a component of the County's All
Hazards Mitigation Plan. This effort will utilize the best and most appropriate science from all
partners, the integration of local and regional knowledge about wildfire risks and fire behavior,
while meeting the needs of local citizens, the regional economy, the significance of this region to
the rest of Idaho and the Inland West.
1.1.3.2.1 Mission Statement
To make Valley County residents, communities, state agencies, local governments, and
businesses less vulnerable to the negative effects of wildland fires through the effective
administration of wildfire hazard mitigation grant programs, hazard risk assessments, wise and
efficient fuels treatments, and a coordinated approach to mitigation policy through federal, state,
regional, and local planning efforts. Our combined prioritization will be the protection of people,
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 9
structures, infrastructure, and unique ecosystems that contribute to our way of life and the
sustainability of the local and regional economy.
1.1.3.2.2 Vision Statement
Institutionalize and promote a countywide wildfire hazard mitigation ethic through leadership,
professionalism, and excellence, leading the way to a safe, sustainable Valley County.
1.1.3.2.3 Goals
• To reduce the area of WUI land burned and losses experienced because of wildfires
where these fires threaten communities in the wildland-urban interface
• Prioritize the protection of people, structures, infrastructure, and unique ecosystems that
contribute to our way of life and the sustainability of the local and regional economy
• Educate communities about the unique challenges of wildfire in the wildland-urban
interface (WUI)
• Establish mitigation priorities and develop mitigation strategies in Valley County
• Provide recommendations for alternative treatment methods, such as modifying forest
stand density, herbicide treatments, fuel reduction techniques, and disposal or removal
of treated slash
• Meet or exceed the requirements of the National Fire Plan and FEMA for a County level
Fire Mitigation Plan
• Establish an annual review of this plan and mitigation projects for prioritization
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 10
Chapter 2: Planning Process
2 Documenting the Planning Process
Documentation of the planning process, including public involvement, is required to meet
FEMA's DMA 2000 (44CFR§201.4(c)(1) and §201.6(c)(1)). This section includes a description
of the planning process used to develop this plan, including how it was prepared, who was
involved in the process, and how all of the involved agencies participated.
2.1.1 Description of the Planning Process
The Valley County Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan was developed through a
collaborative process involving all of the organizations and agencies detailed in Section 1.0 of
this document. The County's local coordinator contacted these organizations directly to invite
their participation and schedule meetings of the planning committee. The planning process
included 5 distinct phases which were in some cases sequential (step 1 then step 2) and in
some cases intermixed (step 4 completed though out the process):
1. Collection of Data about the extent and periodicity of wildfires in and around Valley
County. This included an area encompassing Adams, Gem, Payette, Washington, and
Valley Counties to insure a robust dataset for making inferences about fires in Valley
County specifically; this included a wildfire extent and ignition profile.
2. Field Observations and Estimations about wildfire risks including fuels assessments,
juxtaposition of structures and infrastructure to wildland fuels, access, and potential
treatments by trained wildfire specialists.
3. Mapping of data relevant to wildfire control and treatments, structures, resource values,
infrastructure, fire prone landscapes, and related data.
4. Facilitation of Public Involvement from the formation of the planning committee, to a
public mail survey, news releases, public meetings, public review of draft documents,
and acceptance of the final plan by the signatory representatives.
5. Analysis and Drafting of the Report to integrate the results of the planning process,
providing ample review and integration of committee and public input, followed by
acceptance of the final document.
Planning efforts were led by the Project Director, Dr. William E. Schlosser, of Northwest
Management, Inc. Dr. Schlosser holds 4 degrees in natural resource management (A.S.
geology; B.S. forest and range management; M.S. natural resource economic & finance; Ph.D.
environmental science and regional planning). Valley County Clerk, Leland Heinrich, was the
County's Coordinator instrumental for pulling together the planning team which worked to
complete this plan. This team of resource professionals that included fire mitigation specialists,
wildfire control specialists, resource management professionals, and hazard mitigation experts.
They were the point -people to share data and information with during the plan's development.
They and the planning team met with many residents of the county during the inspections of
communities, infrastructure, and hazard abatement assessments. This methodology, when
coupled with the other approaches in this process, worked effectively to integrate a wide
spectrum of observations and interpretations about the project.
The planning philosophy employed in this project included the open and free sharing of
information with interested parties. Information from federal and state agencies was integrated
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 11
into the database of knowledge used in this project. Meetings with the committee were held
throughout the planning process to facilitate a sharing of information between cooperators.
When the public meetings were held, many of the committee members were in attendance and
shared their support and experiences with the planning process and their interpretations of the
results.
2.2 Public Involvement
Public involvement in this plan was made a priority from the inception of the project. There were
a number of ways that public involvement was sought and facilitated. In some cases this led to
members of the public providing information and seeking an active role in protecting their own
homes and businesses, while in other cases it led to the public becoming more aware of the
process without becoming directly involved in the planning process.
2.2.1 News Releases
Under the auspices of the Valley County Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Planning
Committee, news releases were submitted to area news papers and radio during the planning
process.
2.2.1.1 Radio Messages
A short news release was aired over the KMCL radio station the week prior to the public
meetings announcing the goals of the planning committee, the purpose of the mitigation plan,
the date and times of public meetings, and contact information.
2.2.1.2 Newspaper Articles
Committee and public meeting announcements were published in local newspapers ahead of
each meeting. The following is an example of one of the newspaper announcements that ran in
the local newspaper.
Valley County Plans to Mitigate Wildfire Risk
Cascade, Idaho —The Valley County Commissioners have created a Wildfire Mitigation
Plan Committee to complete a Wildfire Mitigation Plan for Valley County as part of the
National Fire Plan authorized by congress and the Whitehouse. The Valley County Fire
Mitigation Plan will include risk analysis at the community level with predictive models
for where fires are Likely to ignite and where they are likely to spread rapidly once
ignited. Northwest Management, Inc. has been retained by Valley County to provide
wildfire risk assessments, mapping, field inspections, interviews, and to collaborate with
the committee to prepare the plan. The coordination for this effort is being provided by
Lee Heinrich, Valley County Clerk. The committee includes rural and wildland fire
districts, land managers from SITPA, the IDL, the US Forest Service, the BLM, elected
officials, businesses, and others. Specialists on the committee are conducting analysis
of fire prone landscapes and making recommendations for potential treatments. Specific
activities for homes, structures, infrastructure, and resource capabilities will be proposed
as part of the analysis.
One of the most important steps in gathering information about fire risk in Valley County
is to conduct a homeowner's survey. Northwest Management, Inc., in cooperation with
local fire officials, have mailed a brief survey to randomly selected homeowners in the
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Page 12
county seeking details about home construction materials, proximity to water sources,
and other risk factors surrounding homes. This survey is very important to the success o
f the plan. Those homes that receive a survey are asked to please take the time to
complete it thereby benefiting the community overall.
The planning team will be conducting Public Meetings to discuss preliminary findings
and to seek public involvement in the planning process in March. A notice on the date
and location of these meetings will be posted in local newspapers. For more information
on the Fire Mitigation Plan project in Valley County contact your County Commissioner,
Northwest Management, Inc. project director Dr. William Schlosser (208) 883-4488, or
the Valley County Clerk Lee Heinrich at (208)382-7100.
2.2.2 Public Mail Survey
In order to collect a broad base of perceptions about wildland fire and individual risk factors of
homeowners in Valley County, a mail survey was conducted. Using a state and county
database of landowners in Valley County, homeowners from the Wildland-Urban Interface
surrounding each community were identified. In order to be included in the database, individuals
were selected that own property and have a dwelling in Valley County, as well as a mailing
address in Valley County. This database created a list of 1,476 unique names to which was
affixed a random number that determined to the probability of being selected for the public mail
survey. A total of 234 landowners were mailed surveys.
The public mail survey developed for this project has been used in the past by Northwest
Management, Inc., during the execution of other WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plans. The survey used
The Total Design Method (Dillman 1978) as a model to schedule the timing and content of
letters sent to the selected recipients. Copies of each cover letter, mail survey, and
communication are included in Appendix III.
The first in the series of mailing was sent February 18, 2004, and included a cover letter, a
survey, and an offer of receiving a custom GIS map of the area of their selection in Valley
County if they would complete and return the survey. The free map incentive was tied into
assisting their community and helping their interests by participating in this process. Each letter
also informed residents about the planning process. A return self-addressed enveloped was
included in each packet. A postcard reminder was sent to the non -respondents on February 25,
2004, encouraging their response. A final mailing, with a revised cover letter pleading with them
to participate, was sent to non -respondents on March 4, 2004.
Surveys were returned during the months of February through May. A total of 176 residents
responded to the survey (as of May 19, 2004 — this will be updated until the final plan is
completed). No surveys were returned as undeliverable. The effective response rate for this
survey was 75%. Statistically, this response rate allows the interpretation of all of the response
variables significantly at the 99% confidence level.
2.2.2.1 Survey Results
A summary of the survey's results will be presented here and then referred back to during the
ensuing discussions on the need for various treatments, education, and other information.
All of the respondents have a home in Valley County, and 98% consider this their primary
residence (although the survey did not ask how much of each year is spent in their Valley
County residence). About 28% of the respondents were from the McCall area, 24% were from
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 13
the Cascade area, 17% were from the Donnelly area, 16% from Lakefork, and 4% from Yellow
Pine, with the remainder from other communities scattered across the county.
Virtually all of the respondents (98%) correctly identified that they have emergency telephone
911 services in their area. The ability of respondents to correctly identify if they are covered by a
city or rural fire district was exceptionally good. Respondents were asked to identify if their
home is protected by a rural or city fire district. Many of the county's residents have rural or city
fire protection. Of the respondents, 86% correctly identified they live in an area protected by a
rural or city fire district. Only 2% responded they do not have a fire district covering their home,
when in fact they do. Approximately 3% of the respondents indicated that they were outside of a
fire protection district when in reality they are inside of a protection district. The additional 10%
of the respondents indicated they believe they are outside of a protection district, and in fact,
they are correct. These results would indicate that only 5% of the county's residents are
incorrect about their belief concerning fire district coverage of their home. This compares very
favorable in comparison to other counties in the region and in Idaho where the incorrect
responses might approach 25% of the households sampled.
Respondents were asked to indicate the type of roofing material covering the main structure of
their home. Approximately 13% of respondents indicated their homes were covered with a
composite material (asphalt shingles). About 81 % indicated their home were covered with a
metal (eg., aluminum, tin) roofing material. Roughly 4% of the respondents indicated they have
a wooden roofing material such as shakes or shingles. The additional 3% of respondents had a
variety of combustible and non-combustible materials indicated.
Residents were asked to evaluate the proximity of trees within certain distances of their homes.
Often, the density of trees around a home is an indicator of increased fire risk. The results are
presented in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1 Survey responses indicating the proximity of trees to homes.
Number of Trees
Within 250 feet of your Within 75 feet of your
home home
None 3% 5%
Less than 10 17% 34%
Between 10 and 25 26% 40%
More than 25 54% 21 %
Approximately 75% of those returning the survey indicated they have a lawn surrounding their
home. Of these individual homesites, 94% indicated they keep this lawn green through the fire
season.
The average driveway length of the respondents was approximately 370 feet long, from their
main road to their parking area. Roughly 28% of the respondents had a driveway over % mile
long, and a corresponding 54% had a driveway over '/4 of a mile long. Of these homes with
lengthy driveways, roughly 50% have turnouts allowing two vehicles to pass each other in the
case of an emergency. Approximately 68% of all homeowners indicated they have an
alternative escape route, with the remaining 32% indicating only one -way -in and one -way-out.
Nearly all respondents (99%) indicated they have some type of tools to use against a wildfire
that threatens their home. Table 2.2 summarizes these responses.
Table 2.2. Percent of homes with indicated fire fighting tools in Valley County.
99% — Hand tools (shovel, Pulaski, etc.)
9% — Portable water tank
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 14
Table 2.2. Percent of homes with indicated fire fighting tools in Valley County.
1 4 % — Stationery water tank
46% — Pond, lake, or stream water supply close
23% — Water pump and fire hose
2 2 % — Equipment suitable for creating fire breaks (bulldozer, cat, skidder, etc.)
Roughly 38% of the respondents in Valley County indicated they have someone in their
household trained in wildland fire fighting. Approximately 16% indicated someone in the
household had been trained in structural fire fighting. However, it is important to note that these
questions did not specify a standard nor did it refer to how long ago the training was received.
A couple of questions in the survey related to on -going fire mitigation efforts households may be
implementing. Respondents were asked if they conduct a periodic fuels reduction program near
their homesites, such as grass or brush burning. Approximately 78% answered affirmative to
this question, while 34% responded that livestock (cattle, horses, sheep) graze the grasses and
forbs around their home sites.
Respondents were asked to complete a fuel hazard rating worksheet to assess their home's fire
risk rating. An additional column titled "results" has been added to the table, showing the
percent of respondents circling each rating (Table 2.3).
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 15
Circle the ratings in each category that best describes your home.
Table 2.3. Fuel Hazard Rating Worksheet
Rating Results
Fuel Hazard
Small, light fuels (grasses, forbs, weeds, shrubs)
Medium size fuels (brush, large shrubs, small
trees)
Heavy, large fuels (woodlands, timber, heavy
brush)
1
2
3
42%
28%
30%
Slope Hazard
Mild slopes (0-5%1
Moderate slope (6-20%) _
Steed Slopes121-40%0)_.._......._..........._.
Extreme slopes (41% and greater)
1
2
3
69%
24%
6%
1%
Structure Hazard
Noncombustible roof and noncombustible siding
materials
Noncombustible roof and combustible siding
material
Combustible roof and noncombustible siding
material
Combustible roof and combustible siding materials 10
1
3
7
15%
74%
3%
7%
Additional Factors Rough topography that contains several steep +2
canyons or ridges
Areas having history of higher than average fire +3
occurrence
Areas exposed to severe fire weather and strong
winds
Areas with existing fuel modifications or usable fire
breaks
Areas with local facilities (water systems, rural fire
districts, dozers)
+4
- 3
- 3
Average -2.3 pts
Calculating your risk
Values below are the average response value to each question.
Fuel hazard 1.9 x Slope Hazard 1.4 = 2.6
Structural hazard + 3.4
Additional factors (+ or -) -2.3
Total Hazard Points = 3.7 .
Table 2.4. Percent of respondents in each risk category as
determined by the survey respondents.
00% — Extreme Risk = 26 + points
03% — High Risk = 16-25 points
17% — Moderate Risk = 6-15 points
80% — Low Risk = 6 or less points
Maximum household rating form score was 19 points, as assessed by the homeowners. These
numbers were compared to observations made by field crews trained in wildland fire fighting.
These results indicate that for the most part, these indications are only slightly lower than the
risk rating assigned by the "professionals". Anecdotal evidence would indicate that Valley
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 16
County landowners involved in this survey have a more realistic view of wildfire risk than the
landowners in other Idaho counties where these questions have been asked.
Finally, respondents were asked "if offered in your area, would members of your household
attend a free, or low cost, one -day training seminar designed to teach homeowners in the
wildland—urban interface how to improve the defensible space surrounding your home and
adjacent outbuildings?" A majority of the respondents, 69% indicated a desire to participate in
this type of training.
Homeowners were also asked, "How do you feel Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Mitigation
projects should be funded in the areas surrounding homes, communities, and infrastructure
such as power lines and major roads?" Responses are summarized in Table 2.5.
Table 2.5. Public Opinion of Wildfire Mitigation Funding Preferences.
Home Defensibility
Projects
Community Defensibility
Projects —>
Infrastructure Projects
Roads, Bridges, Power
Lines, Etc. —>
Mark the box that best applies to your preference
100% Public Funding Cost -Share Privately Funded
(Public & Private) (Owner or Company)
27%
44%
70%
42%
55%
16%
32%
1%
13%
2.2.3 Committee Meetings
The following list of people who participated in the planning committee meetings, volunteered
time, or responded to elements of the Valley County Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation
Plan's preparation.
• Greg Bassler Northwest Management, Inc.
• Tyler Bentley USDA Forest Service
• Toby Brown Northwest Management, Inc.
• Tera Duman Northwest Management, Inc.
• James Haas Cascade Rural Fire District
• Lee Heinrich Valley County Clerk
• Ken Homik Northwest Management, Inc.
• Ronn Julian USDA Forest Service
• John Lillehaug Idaho Department of Lands
• Jeff Luff USDA Forest Service
• John McGee Northwest Management, Inc.
• Dusty Pence USDA Forest Service
• Gary Phillips USDA Forest Service
• William E. Schlosser Northwest Management, Inc.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 17
" S t e v e S t u e b n e r T a m a r a c k R e s o r t
" R i c h a r d T a p l i n P o n d e r o s a S t a t e P a r k
" L e o V a n H o o v e r Y e l l o w P i n e R e s i d e n t
" L o i s V a n H o o v e r Y e l l o w P i n e R e s i d e n t
" M a r k W o o d s S o u t h e r n I d a h o T i m b e r P r o t e c t i v e A s s o c i a t i o n
C o m m i t t e e M e e t i n g s w e r e s c h e d u l e d a n d h e l d o n t h e f o l l o w i n g d a t e s :
N o v e m b e r 6 , 2 0 0 3
W i l l i a m E . S c h l o s s e r , p r o j e c t d i r e c t o r f r o m N o r t h w e s t M a n a g e m e n t , I n c . , g a v e a n o v e r v i e w o f
t h e c o m p a n y a n d g e n e r a l i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e d e v e l o p m e n t a n d p l a n n i n g o f t h e V a l l e y C o u n t y
F i r e M i t i g a t i o n P l a n . C o n t a c t i n f o r m a t i o n w a s e x c h a n g e d b e t w e e n m e m b e r s o f t h e c o m m i t t e e
a n d N o r t h w e s t M a n a g e m e n t , I n c .
S p e c i f i c d i s c u s s i o n i t e m s :
" S c h e d u l e o f m e e t i n g s : N M I w o u l d l i k e t o h o l d o n e m e e t i n g e a c h m o n t h u n t i l t h e
c o n c l u s i o n o f t h e p l a n n i n g p r o c e s s . W e w o u l d s u g g e s t t h e s e c o n d T u e s d a y o f e a c h
m o n t h . A l u n c h t i m e m e e t i n g w o u l d b e p r e f e r a b l e i f s c h e d u l e s a l l o w . W e c a n m o v e t h e
m e e t i n g l o c a t i o n a r o u n d a s n e e d e d ( M c C a l l , D o n n e l l y , C a s c a d e ) . M o s t m e e t i n g s w i l l b e
c o n c l u d e d w i t h i n o n e h o u r .
" M a p P r o d u c t s : A v a r i e t y o f m a p p i n g p r o d u c t s w i l l b e c r e a t e d d u r i n g t h i s p l a n n i n g
p r o c e s s . J o h n M c G e e a n d L e e H e i n r i c h b o t h h a v e a s e t o f c u r r e n t m a p s s h o w i n g
l a n d o w n e r s , r u r a l a n d w i l d l a n d f i r e d i s t r i c t s , p a s t f i r e s , a n d f i r e p r o n e l a n d s c a p e s . P l e a s e
t a k e a l o o k a t t h e m a n d p r o v i d e a n y c o m m e n t s t o r e f i n e t h e i n f o r m a t i o n . E s p e c i a l l y
e v a l u a t e t h e r u r a l a n d w i l d l a n d f i r e d i s t r i c t s f o r b o u n d a r y c h a n g e s t h a t m a y h a v e
o c c u r r e d s i n c e t h e d a t a w a s c o l l e c t e d . T h e D o n n e l l y R u r a l F i r e D i s t r i c t w a s v o t e d o n
d u r i n g t h e N o v e m b e r 4 , 2 0 0 3 , e l e c t i o n . A s o f t h e t i m e o f m a p p r i n t i n g w e d i d n o t k n o w i f
t h i s p a s s e d o r n o t ( h o p e f u l l y i t d i d ! ) A l s o , p l e a s e m a k e n o t e o f a n y c o m m u n i t i e s t h a t a r e
n o t i d e n t i f i e d o n t h e m a p s s o t h a t w e c a n u p d a t e t h e c o m m u n i t i e s d a t a b a s e . I f a d d i t i o n a l
G I S d a t a i s a v a i l a b l e ( U S F S - F i r e R e g i m e a n d C o n d i t i o n C l a s s ? ) , p l e a s e p r o v i d e i t o n
d i s k t o D r . S c h l o s s e r .
" R e s o u r c e s a n d C a p a b i l i t i e s G u i d e : N o r m a l l y , w e d e v e l o p a c o u n t y - w i d e b o o k l e t
d e t a i l i n g t h e r e s o u r c e s a n d c a p a b i l i t i e s o f t h e R u r a l a n d W i l d l a n d F i r e D i s t r i c t s p r o t e c t i o n
s e r v i c e s i n e a c h c o u n t y . T h e V a l l e y I n t e r a g e n c y I n t e r f a c e G r o u p O p e r a t i o n s P l a n s e e m s
t o s e r v i c e t h i s n e e d v e r y w e l l . W e s u g g e s t t h a t w e a d d t o i t , 8 1 / 2 x 1 1 d i s t r i c t m a p s f o r
e a c h d i s t r i c t a n d u s e t h i s a s t h e s u m m a r y o f t h e r e s o u r c e s i n t h e c o u n t y . P l e a s e u p d a t e
a n y c h a n g e s t o t h i s O p e r a t i o n s P l a n .
" F i r e R i s k A s s e s s m e n t s : N M I w i l d l a n d f i r e p e r s o n n e l a r e m a k i n g s i t e v i s i t s t o a l l o f t h e
i d e n t i f i e d c o m m u n i t i e s i n t h e C o u n t y . W e a r e m a k i n g o b s e r v a t i o n s a b o u t t h e f u e l s i n
e a c h c o m m u n i t y , t h e a c c e s s , d e v e l o p i n g p o t e n t i a l t r e a t m e n t s , a n d t a k i n g p i c t u r e s . E a c h
o f t h e c o m m u n i t i e s w i l l h a v e a F E M A H a z a r d A s s e s s m e n t f o r m c o m p l e t e d t h a t d e t a i l s
i n f o r m a t i o n i n t h e F E M A f o r m a t . W e w i l l a l s o c r e a t e a w r i t t e n s u m m a r y o f o b s e r v a t i o n s .
I f a n y o n e h a s F i r e M i t i g a t i o n P r o j e c t s i d e n t i f i e d p l e a s e l e t u s k n o w s o t h a t w e c a n
i n t e g r a t e i t i n t o t h e C o u n t y ' s P l a n .
" P u b l i c I n v o l v e m e n t : W e w a n t t o e n c o u r a g e p u b l i c p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n t h i s p l a n n i n g p r o c e s s .
I f t h e r e a r e a n y m e m b e r s o f t h e c o m m u n i t y t h a t w a n t t o p a r t i c i p a t e p l e a s e i n v i t e t h e m t o
d o s o . T h e y n e e d t o a t t e n d t h e m o n t h l y m e e t i n g s a n d p r o v i d e f e e d b a c k . T h i s c o m m i t t e e
V a l l e y C o u n t y W U I W i l d f i r e M i t i g a t i o n P l a n P a g e 1 8
(VIIG) is part of that process, therefore we need to keep a roster of those that attend
meetings. Please include your e-mail address for announcements. We will also be
sending out a public mail survey. We have received as high as 90% response rate on
these survey averaging 60% in neighboring counties. The Valley County Assessor's
office will be providing the mailing list of residents that we will randomly select names
from. After the assessments are completed, we will hold public meetings in the county to
share information on the process and facilitate public input. This will come before the
draft plan is completed. The VIIG Committee will be the first to review this document,
then it goes out the general public. After all comments are integrated into the revised
document, it is give to the County Commissioners for final approval. This then becomes
the County's Fire Mitigation Plan and we move into the implementation phase.
December 9, 2003
NMI representative gave an overview of project status since last meeting and ask for any
information the committee was able to produce so far.
Other items discussed included:
• Schedule of Meetings: Reminder, we would like to hold one meeting each month until
the conclusion of the planning process. We are shooting for the second Tuesday of each
month.
• Resources and Capabilities Guide: As part of today's meeting we would like a group
discussion on the existing resources and needs for the County. This might be additional
water tenders, pumper trucks, buildings, training, a new station house, anything that will
increase the capabilities of the County's Fire Districts to meet the needs of wildland fire
fighting in the County and provide for parity between the districts. We will discuss it at
this meeting and come up with some ideas and recommendations to put into the plan.
• Fire Risk Assessments: During the week of December 8 -12, we have Tera Duman and
Ken Homik doing field visits to all of the communities and subdivisions that have not yet
been visited. They may be calling on some of the fire district personnel for added
information. We will have their summaries available at the January meeting for review.
• Planned Activities: If you or your agency knows of any planned activities in terms of fire
mitigation work scheduled for Valley County, please let us know so that we can include it
in the final plan.
January 13, 2004
General Notes: Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11 at the Cascade Rural
Fire Station (109 E. Pine Street) in Cascade at 1:OOPM.
The community assessments were discussed at length. Comments made by the committee
included:
• Tyler Bentley - USFS: Communities missed for assessments: Patty Flat, Trails End
(McLain (sp?) Ranch (South Fork), Big Creek Edwardsburg (1.5 hours past Yellow
Pine), individual Ranches (at least mention the major ones), Taylor Creek Ranch (15
homes at end of airstrip)
o VIIG — on internal USFS website — fire and aviation -2002 version. He will email
electronic copy of document to Lee and/or Dr. Schlosser.
o Update last 4 pages — equipment list — and email to John or Bill.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 19
" M a r k W o o d s : N e e d t o c l a r i f y i n t h e p l a n w h o i s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r s t r u c t u r a l a n d / o r w i l d l a n d
f i r e s . M a k e t h e d i s t i n c t i o n .
o Q u e s t i o n o n p r i o r i t i z i n g c o m m u n i t i e s a n d t r e a t m e n t s m o r e p o l i t i c a l , l e t
c o m m i s s i o n e r s a n d g r o u p d e c i d e . P o s s i b l y j u s t g i v e t o p 5 o r 1 0 .
o Q u e s t i o n o n F E M A f o r m s w o u l d l i k e t o s e e s o m e c l a r i f i c a t i o n i f p o s s i b l e . W r i t e
u p p a r a g r a p h w i t h i n s t r u c t i o n s .
" T y l e r B e n t l e y - U S F S : D o w e w a n t t o i n c o r p o r a t e w h a t J e f f J o n e s i s d o i n g ? P o s s i b l y .
T y l e r i n d i c a t e d t h a t w h a t h e h a s s e e n o f J e f f ' s w o r k d o e s n o t n e c e s s a r i l y m a t c h u p w i t h
w h a t i s g o i n g o n t h e g r o u n d .
" J o h n L i l l e h a u g I D L : W h y a r e t h e s t a n d a r d s d i f f e r e n t b e t w e e n c o m m u n i t i e s , i e
s p a c i n g ?
o Y e l l o w P i n e : I D L s p e n t $ 8 0 , 0 0 0 i n t r e a t m e n t s a n d i s n o t m e n t i o n e d .
o W i l l o u r c o m m e n t s b e h e a r d ? Y e s . P l e a s e p r o v i d e f o r i n c o r p o r a t i o n .
" L e e H e i n r i c h - C o u n t y C l e r k : N o t g o i n g t o c u r t a i l p r o c e s s a n d i m p o s e a r t i f i c i a l d e a d l i n e s .
W a n t a g o o d p r o d u c t r a t h e r t h a n m e e t a d e a d l i n e .
" M a r k W o o d s : V I I G h a s n o t b e e n a c t i v e i n t h e l a s t y e a r . H a s t o d o v e t a i l w i t h L A P C . U s e
o p e r a t i o n s g u i d e a s a t o o l t o r e - i n v i g o r a t e t h e g r o u p .
C o m m e n t s o n r a d i o , c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , a n d o t h e r r e s o u r c e a n d c a p a b i l i t i e s i t e m s w e r e a l s o
p r o v i d e d :
N a r r o w b a n d r a d i o s
" J a m e s H a a s C a s c a d e R u r a l f i r e : H a s b e e n w o r k i n g o n g a i n i n g n a r r o w b a n d r a d i o s .
T h e i r d i s t r i c t i s h a v i n g m a j o r p r o b l e m s w i t h r e d u n d a n c y s t r i k i n g . H e i s a l s o w o r k i n g o n
e n h a n c e d 9 1 1 .
" O t h e r A g e n c i e s :
o I D L : w i l l h a v e s o o n .
o U S F S : h a s o r i s i n t r a n s i t i o n .
o S I T P A : w o r k i n g o n , n o t t h e r e y e t
S o l u t i o n : T h e c o m m i t t e e s u g g e s t e d p u t t i n g n a r r o w b a n d i n h a n d s o f r u r a l a n d i n d i s p a t c h I C S .
P r o b l e m s : w i l l h a v e t o u p d a t e t w i c e : 1 ) n a r r o w b a n d , 2 ) n a r r o w b a n d d i g i t a l . A l s o h a v e a n e e d
f o r h a r d w a r e a n d a c o m m o n f r e q u e n c y u s e p l a n .
M o r e R e p e a t e r s
" S I T P A a n d U S F S : n o p l a n s f o r m o r e , d o n ' t n e e d .
" R u r a l s : N e e d m o r e . R e p e a t e r s m a y b e a d e q u a t e b u t R u r a l s n e e d n a r r o w b a n d .
R e d u n d a n c y i s s u e h a v e e x t r a r e p e a t e r i n c a s e o n e g o e s d o w n .
W i r e l e s s I n t e r n e t C o n n e c t i o n s
" C a s c a d e R u r a l i s w o r k i n g o n a r e m o t e d i s p a t c h c e n t e r , t r u c k s , e t c .
F i r e D i s t r i c t B o u n d a r i e s
" C i t y o f C a s c a d e j u s t a n n e x e d ' / 2 s q u a r e m i l e a r e a , j u r i s d i c t i o n a r e a c h a n g e .
V a l l e y C o u n t y W U I W i l d f i r e M i t i g a t i o n P l a n P a g e 2 0
" B r u n d a g e M t n . u n d e r c o n t r a c t .
" H o m e s o u t s i d e o f d i s t r i c t w a n t p r o t e c t i o n b u t d i s t r i c t c a n ' t p r o v i d e . T h e r e w e r e n o
r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s f o r t h o s e t h a t l i v e f a r w a y a n d u n - a c c e s s i b l e .
W a t e r S t o r a g e
" J a m e s H a a s : C i t y o f C a s c a d e i s w o r k i n g o n s t o r a g e , n e w l i n e s , a n d n e w s u b d i v i s i o n s .
" W e s t M o u n t a i n A r e a : O l d e r s u b d i v i s i o n i s b e c o m i n g a p r o b l e m d u e t o t h e l a c k o f b u i l d i n g
c o d e s a n d o t h e r r e g u l a t i o n s . T h e y a l s o l a c k a w a t e r s u p p l y . N e w e r s u b d i v i s i o n s i n t h e
a r e a h a v e n e w f a c i l i t i e s ( w a t e r , e l e c t r i c a l , e t c . ) .
F a c i l i t i e s
" A l l t h r e e d i s t r i c t s h a v e g o o d f a c i l i t i e s ( n e w e r b u i l d i n g s w i t h m e e t i n g r o o m s ) , b u t m a y
n e e d a d d i t i o n a l e q u i p m e n t . T h e y a l s o h a v e a d d i t i o n a l r o o m f o r e q u i p m e n t s t o r a g e .
V o l u n t e e r R e t e n t i o n
" V o l u n t e e r s u s u a l l y h a v e f u l l t i m e j o b s . D i f f i c u l t t o g e t t i m e o f f f r o m w o r k t o r e s p o n d .
O f t e n l o o s e p r o m o t i o n s , v a c a t i o n t i m e , o r t h e i r j o b . S m a l l c o m p a n i e s c a n n o t a f f o r d
p e o p l e l e a v i n g f o r f i r e a n d r e s c u e c a l l s .
T r a i n i n g O p p o r t u n i t i e s
" P r o v i d e t r a i n i n g , c o u l d u s e m o n e y t o h e l p p a y f o r m a t e r i a l s . 2 c o u r s e s / y e a r / d i s t r i c t ( 6
w e e k s / c o u r s e ) $ 2 0 0 0 / p r o g r a m . C o o r d i n a t e b e t w e e n d i s t r i c t s t o r e d u c e p r o g r a m c o s t s ?
M a y g e t t o o m u c h t r a i n i n g , g e t s c o n f u s i n g , c a n ' t g o t o a l l .
" B D S t r a i n i n g o n d i f f e r e n t s y s t e m s : I C S s y s t e m f o r d i s a s t e r s e r v i c e s a n d I C S f o r w i l d l a n d
f i r e .
" A l l R i s k U n i f i e d D i s p a t c h S y s t e m s o u n d s l i k e i t m a y b e c o m i n g s o o n .
D i s a s t e r P r e p a r e d n e s s
" N o f a t a l i t i e s i n t h e c o u n t y t h i s y e a r . A l l f e l t t h e r e w e r e v e r y g o o d p e r s o n n e l , m o b i l i z a t i o n ,
a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n . T h e y h a v e b e e n v e r y l u c k y . F i r e s s t a r t e d a t t h e n o r t h e n d o f c o u n t y
w o u l d h a v e h a d d i f f e r e n t r e s u l t s i f t h e y h a d s t a r t e d i n a n y o t h e r a r e a . N e e d t o l o o k a t
w h e r e i g n i t i o n o c c u r r e d ! R e c o g n i z e t h a t t h e r e h a s b e e n a s i g n i f i c a n t c h a n g e w h e r e
p e o p l e l i v e a n d h o w t h e y l i v e .
" G o o d m u t u a l a i d a g r e e m e n t s .
" N e e d t o u p d a t e R u r a l , C i t y , a n d w i l d l a n d f i r e e q u i p m e n t l i s t s . B o i s e h a s e q u i p m e n t i n
C a s c a d e a n d W a r m L a k e . B L M d o e s n ' t p r o v i d e a n y r e s p o n s e i n V a l l e y C o u n t y .
M i s c . C o m m e n t s
E m a i l s u r v e y s t o e a c h m e m b e r ; s e n d e m a i l t o e a c h f i r e c h i e f a s k i n g w h a t t h e e q u i p m e n t n e e d s
a r e .
M a r k W o o d ' s c o m m e n t s : W h a t i s t h e p r i v a t e l a n d o w n e r s ' r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r d o i n g d e f e n s i b l e
s p a c e ? H o w c a n t h e y e x p e c t f i r e d i s t r i c t t o p r o v i d e p r o t e c t i o n ?
D o c u m e n t i n c o u n t y a s s e s s m e n t t h a t t h i s c o m m u n i t y i s a t h i g h r i s k a n d n e e d a d e f e n s i b l e
s p a c e . I n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y r e a d s t h i s a n d d r o p s i n s u r a n c e f o r t h o s e h o m e s . W h o i s l i a b l e ?
A r e a s w h e r e f u e l t r e a t m e n t p r o j e c t s h a v e b e e n c o m p l e t e d : Y e l l o w P i n e , J u g h a n d l e , a n d G o d s
A c r e .
V a l l e y C o u n t y W U I W i l d f i r e M i t i g a t i o n P l a n P a g e 2 1
March 30, 2004
• Public Meetings will be held on April 6, 7, & 8 at 7pm
• Notice of meetings was placed in the Advocate & Star News
o Haven't put the notice on Mountain Air Radio
o Mr. Stuebner will put it in the Idaho Statesman after William Schlosser sends the
notice out to e-mail list
o Bill needs to send a copy of public meeting notice to e-mail list
• William Schlosser needs SITPA logo by Thursday (April 1)
• William Schlosser gave quick explanation concerning the signature page of the plan
document and what would happen if an agency, fire department, etc. didn't sign
• The Forest Service is currently doing several different mitigation projects around Warm
Lake because there is no fire protection in that area.
Dr. Schlosser gave the committee a preview of the public presentation and opened it up for
discussion and comments. No additions or changes were made.
• The black area on one of the maps in the presentation is part of the wilderness area
managed by the Salmon -Challis National Forest
• Committee members want to post a map at the public meetings that show the specific
treatment areas recommended in the map
o Need to make sure to say that they are proposed areas
o Include a reference to agency responsible for treatment, so the meeting doesn't
get bogged down in too much detail
June 18, 2004
DR. William Schlosser NMI
Dennis Thomas NMI
Lee Heinrich Court Clerk Valley County
Mark Woods SITPA
Dusty Pence USFS / Boise NF
Sam Hescock USFS / Payette NF
Introduction and agenda / William Schlosser
Dr. Schlosser requested any additional edits be sent to NMI staff [Toby Brown, Terra Dunn, and
Bill] by June 23, 2004.
Review of Valley County draft Plan and edits.
Dr. Schlosser asked group how the edits looked for the draft plan at this time.
Mark Woods thought the Plan looked good to date.
Lee Heinnich approved edit [4.2.1.4 Building Codes], County Commissioner will address future
planning and zoning issues.
Dusty Pence will e-mail Dr. Schlosser changes to 4.6
Sam Hesock will provided write up's and edits up for 4.4.2.3.18 through 4.4.2.3.23
Valley County WU/ Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 22
Big Creek-Edwardsburg, Trails End Subdivision, Taylor Range, Elk Creek, Yellow Jacket
Range, Lake Fork Guard Station.
Sam Hescock asked Bill what format he would like fire history.
Dr. Schlosser explained the relevance to provided the documentation of fire history to show that
the county has a fire problem. And what format to send the data in.
Dusty Pence and Sam Hescock will e-mail Bill data.
Sam Hescock requested restructure paragraph 5.3 page 148.
Dr. Schlosser requested additional fuel reduction projects be e-mailed to NMI staff by June 23,
2004 before plan goes out to public review.
Sam Hescock will sent all updated information by deadline date.
Dusty Pence commented that section 5.4 Warm Lake does not have a community water
resource.
Dr Schlosser asked Lee Heinrich how long to put the document out for public review. Lee
responded two weeks.
NMI will start working on the edits next week and have the plan ready for public review by the
last week in June, 2004. public review will be completed by the middle of July, 2004. NMI will
compete the edits from Public review the third week of July.
Lee Heimlich stated the last public meeting will be held at a regular commissioners meeting at
the commissioners office.
Public will be able to review the plan at the following locations:
McCall Cascade
County Court House Post Office
USFS USFS
IDL
SITPA
Library
Yellow Pine
NMI will prepare a press release before the public review.
Dr Schlosser led a discussion who will sign the document, for the different committee members.
Public survey revealed people would pay for some treatment, County to take lead. County
Commissioner will resume responsibility to identify priority area's of treatment with input from
Fire Committee.
Some discussion what the WUI is and Dr. Schlosser explained once the commissioner sign
document they have identified the WUI.
Review of the infrastructure map. Committee Members identified additional infrastructure on
Maps. NMI will updated at there GIS lab.
Dr. Schlosser thank individuals for attending the meeting. He encouraged committee members
to e-mail all additional edits and changes to the draft by June 23, 2004
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 23
2.2.3.1 Public Meetings
Public meetings were held during the planning process, as an integral component to the
planning process. It was the desire of the planning committee, and the Valley County
Commissioners to integrate the public's input to the development of the fire mitigation plan.
Formal public meetings were scheduled on April 6, 2004, at Cascade, Idaho, on April 7, 2004, at
McCall, Idaho, and on April 8, 2004, at Donnelly, Idaho. The purpose of these meetings was to
share information on the planning process with a broadly representative cross section of Valley
County landowners. Both meetings had wall maps posted in the meeting rooms with many of
the analysis results summarized specifically for the risk assessments, location of structures, fire
protection, and related information. The formal portion of the presentations included a
PowerPoint presentation made by Project Director, Dr. William E. Schlosser. During his
presentations, comments from committee members, fire chiefs, and others were encouraged in
an effort to engage the audience in a discussion.
It was made clear to all in attendance that their input was welcome and encouraged, as specific
treatments had not yet been decided, nor had the risk assessment been completed. Attendees
were told that they could provide oral comment during these meetings, they could provide
written comment to the meetings, or they could request more information in person to discuss
the plan. In addition, attendees were told they would have an opportunity to review the draft plan
prior to its completion to further facilitate their comments and input.
The formal presentations lasted approximately 1 % hours and included many questions and
comments from the audience. Following the meetings, many discussions continued with the
committee members and the general public discussing specific areas, potential treatments, the
risk analysis, and other topics.
Attendance at the public meetings included 11 individuals at the Cascade meeting, 5 in McCall,
and 4 at Donnelly. The following are comments, questions or suggestions from the meetings:
2.2.3.1.1 Cascade Public Meeting
April 6, 2004 — American Legion Hall — 7pm
The meeting started with a presentation by Dr. William Schlosser. Dr. Schlosser presentation
was aimed at informing the audience why the plans were being created, the congressional
actions authorizing the plans, who had been involved at the local level in the planning
committee, and the work accomplished. He stressed that the goal of the public meeting was to
gather comments, ideas, and input from the public on the work that the committee had done to
date. Comments made during the meeting would be noted and made part of the final plan
document. Comments could also be made in writing to Dr. Schlosser at the Northwest
Management office in Moscow Idaho.
Discussions took place during and after the presentation. The points of the discussions follow:
The High Valley area contains several subdivisions, but is not considered in the plan as a
separate community. Discussion followed looking at the definition of a community and if the
High Valley area required separate consideration. Consensus was it does not require separate
consideration. There was some discussion as to who/how High Valley was covered by rural fire
district or thru agreements with IDL/Gem County in Ola. The group would like to see some
comment in the plan on how the High Valley area is covered for fire protection.
There was a general discussion on the problems that local volunteer fire departments face. The
major issues cited were recruiting and keep young volunteers, equipment and budgets. No new
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 24
solutions to these dilemmas were voiced. Dr. Schlosser mentioned a piece of legislation working
its way thru congress that would provide a 2% discount on home mortgage rates for volunteer
firefighters.
There was a recommendation from the audience about widening high-tension powerline rights
of way. This would reduce the hazard of trees falling into the lines and causing fires, or severing
power to local communities. Wider powerline rights of way would also reduce the risk to wooden
poles actually being destroyed during major fire events.
During fire responses or evacuations several of the secondary roads identified on the maps may
not be wide enough to handle both evacuees leaving an area and emergency vehicles entering.
Could these be looked at, and what standard width is necessary?
Additional dry season water sources around the WUI would help in initial response to fires.
Local fire officials commented on the current location of large underground water tanks currently
in place for fire response. During the dry season additional portable water bladders are placed
around the county for use by fire trucks, but they do not work for helicopters. Additional ponds in
the area would increase fire preparedness for both fire trucks and helicopters.
The meeting ended at 8:45.
2.2.3.1.2 McCall Public Meeting
April 7, 2004 — American Legion Hall — 7pm
The meeting started with a presentation by Dr. William Schlosser. Dr. Schlosser presentation
was aimed at informing the audience why the plans were being created, the congressional
actions authorizing the plans, who had been involved at the local level in the planning
committee, and the work accomplished. He stressed that the goal of the public meeting was to
gather comments, ideas, and inputs from the public on the work that the committee had done to
date. Comments made during the meeting would be noted and made part of the final plan
document. Comments could also be made in writing to Dr. Schlosser at the Northwest
Management office in Moscow Idaho.
Discussions took place during and after the presentation. The points of the discussions follow:
The Elk Creek road from Warren (Idaho County) to Big Creek (Valley County) has been
reopened. This road should be a secondary road on the infrastructure map. This would provide
a second escape route from Big Creek. Also add the road to the Idaho County infrastructure
map.
Phone lines as part of the necessary infrastructure of the county. People felt that any main fiber
optic or phone lines that feed the communities were a vital part of the communications net
needed during fires as well as an integral part of the modern economy. It was pointed out "you
can't buy gas to get out of town if the phone lines are down, because the pumps won't take your
credit card".
No one knew of any main gas transportation lines. The railroad south of Cascade is still active
for tourist trains and should be included on the infrastructure map.
Idaho power has secured a permit from the USFS to add an additional high-tension powerline to
the county. This line should be noted on the infrastructure map.
There was a general discussion on the state of the McCall rural fire district. The district appears
to be well equipped and staffed. The fire districts biggest concerns are with narrow access
roads/ driveways to homes, the heavy accumulation of fuels in and around some local
communities/subdivisions and the lack of water access points to Lake McCall.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 25
Access to water for fighting structure and wildland fires was discussed at length. Although many
communities are on Payette Lake, there are a limited number of access points for trucks to draft
water from the lake. An intriguing idea was for the fire districts to secure a fire patrol
boat/portable hydrant. The boat would enable the districts to more easily patrol for fires in
campgrounds along the lake, directly assist in fighting structure and wildfires adjacent to the
lake, and in filling operations. Due to the narrow and slow access roads a boat would also have
a faster response time to many communities around the lake. This idea could also be applied to
the communities of Cascade and Donnelly on Lake Cascade.
The idea of a "Defensible space" denotes that someone else may be defending the space, or
that all fire is bad. An audience member remarked that at a conference he attended in Nevada
an Australian noted that they refer to them as "Asset protection zones" This presents more of a
positive connotation that the intent is to protect an investment made in the structure or
community.
2.2.3.1.3 Donnelly Public Meeting
April 8, 2004 — Donnelly Rural Fire District Firehouse — 7pm
The meeting started with a presentation by Dr. William Schlosser. Dr. Schlosser presentation
was aimed at informing the audience why the plans were being created, the congressional
actions authorizing the plans, who had been involved at the local level in the planning
committee, and the work accomplished. He stressed that the goal of the public meeting was to
gather comments, ideas, and inputs from the public on the work that the committee had done to
date. Comments made during the meeting would be noted and made part of the final plan
document. Comments could also be made in writing to Dr. Schlosser at the Northwest
Management office in Moscow Idaho.
During the presentation there we some comments made regarding pre -commercial thinning
slash. A member of SITPA answered the question and explained the process by which forest
management of slash from commercial and non commercial actions was regulated by the state.
In this case he was able to directly answer the concern voiced and the mitigation taken by the
landowner.
A general discussion regarding the current state of the Donnelly Fire District began after the
presentation. The district was recently changed into a formal taxing district from a subscriber
association. The general feeling was that the main firehouse was well equipped and had a
sufficient volunteer staff. Concerns were raised that there was not a full time fireman at the
station. There are currently no satellite stations in the Donnelly district. A new station will be built
as part of the Tamarack subdivision to the southwest. To the North there is a desire to establish
a substation at Lake Fork. Conversations continue in the community to make this a reality, but it
is still in the planning stage.
Another discussion point was water availability for structure and wildland fire fighting. The idea
of requiring new subdivisions to provide water systems (hydrants or tanks) for firefighting was
put forward. This is something that could be implemented thru the local Planning and Zoning
Commission.
The county is upgrading their building codes to international standard. As part of this upgrade
there was public sentiment that requiring pretreatment for defensible space be included in the
upgrade.
County bridges are inspected on a regular basis. If the bridge is unable to handle normal legal
loads, they are posted. If a bridge is not deficient, it is not posted. Private bridges are not
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 26
inspected. It is left to the local fire districts to notify owners of private bridges that may not carry
local fire trucks. It is not clear if this is being accomplished. The location of these private bridges
has not been compressively located or mapped.
Some of the newer subdivisions are "gated communities". Local fire districts and wildland
firefighters are often not given the keys or codes to open these gates. These gates cannot be
opened with a pair of bolt cutters and do pose an obstacle to fire response.
The meeting ended at 8:40pm
2.2.3.2 Meeting Notices
Public notices of this meeting were printed in the Advocate, Star News, and the Idaho
Statesman the weeks of March 28 and April 4, 2004. Notices were also posted at City Hall,
County Court House, Idaho Department of Lands, and the office of the Payette National Forest's
McCall Ranger District.
Valley County Wildfire Mitigation Plan Seeks Public Input
Cascade, Idaho --The Valley County Commissionerscreated an Interagency Wildfire Mitigation
Planning Committee to develop a Wildfire Plan for Valley County as part, of the National Fire
Plan authorized by congress and the Whitehouse. The Valley County Wildfire Mitigation Plan
includes risk analysis at the community level with predictive models for where fires are likely to
ignite and where they are likely to spread rapidly once ignited. Additional assessments include a
resource and capabilities evaluation of the County's city and rural fire departments, critical
infrastructure, and policy at the county and city level. Northwest Management, Inc. has been
retained by Valley County to provide wildfire risk assessments, mapping, field inspections,
interviews, and to collaborate with the committee to prepare the plan. The coordination for this
effort is being provided by Lee Heinrich, Valley County Clerk. The committee includes rural and
wildland fire districts, land managers, elected officials, agency representatives, and others.
Specialists are conducting analysis of fire prone landscapes and making recommendations for
potential treatments at the community level. Specific activities for homes, structures,
infrastructure, and resource capabilities will be proposed as part of the analysis.
The committee launched a public survey in February that is almost completed. Many area
homeowners were asked to participate in this unique survey. Already over 65% of the 215
surveys have been returned. This information has been very useful in gauging public input to
key factors of the plan.
Another` important opportunity for the citizens of Valley County will happen in early April as the
committee sponsors 3 public meetings. These evening meetings (7:00-8:30) are open to the
public and provide an opportunity to learn about the wildfire risk assessments for Valley County
and the preparedness of fire fighting agencies and departments to respond to wildfires. Potential
treatment options will' be discussed during these meetings. Public input is encouraged at the
meetings as all gathered information will be included in the final plans. The schedule of the
meetings is as follows:
April 6, Cascade --American Legion Hall, 105 E. Mill Street
April 7, McCall`— American Legion Hall, (basement) 216 E. Park Street
April 8, Donnelly —Donnelly Rural Fire District Station, W. Roseberry Road
All meetings are from 7:00 P.M. toJ8:30 P.M. For more information on the Fire Mitigation Plan
project in Valley County contact your County Commissioner, Northwest Management, Inc.
Valley County WU/ Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Page 27
project director Dr. William Schlosser (208) 883-4488, or the Valley County Clerk's Office, Lee
Heinrich at (208) 382-7100.
Valley County WU! Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 28
2.3 Review of the Will Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Review of sections of this document were conducted by the planning committee during the
planning process as maps, summaries, and written assessments were completed. These
individuals included fire mitigation specialists, fire fighters, planners, elected officials, and others
involved in the coordination process. Preliminary findings were discussed at the public
meetings, where comments were collected and facilitated.
The results of these formal and informal reviews were integrated into a DRAFT Wildland-Urban
Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan. This plan was given to members of the planning committee on
May 21
Review of the DRAFT document by the Valley County Interagency Wildland Mitigation Planning
Committee is scheduled to be made from this date until June 4, 2004.
From here we suggest that amendments and changes to this document be sent to Northwest
Management, Inc. for inclusion in a revised plan. We will meet again on June 4 (location?) and
discuss changes to the document. Please e-mail or fax edits to the Northwest Management, Inc.
office directly ahead of the meeting so that we can discuss those changes in their entirety at the
June 4 meeting. We can then schedule the public review to be released from June 8 — June 22.
Again changes and modifications can be sent to Northwest Management, Inc. for inclusion in
the final plan. The completed plan can be adopted by the County Commissioners on or after
June 28, depending on the comments received and any actions needed as a result. This is a
suggested time frame only. Suggestions and comments on this would be appreciated. The
ultimate decision is made by the County Commissioners.
You can send comments directly to SchlosserCa�consulting-foresters.com or call Northwest
Management, Inc. at 208-883-4488 fax at 208-883-1098.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 29
Chapter 3: County Characteristics & Risk Assessment`
3 Background and Area Description
3.1 Demographics
Valley County reported an increase of approximately 3% per year in total population from 6,109
in 1990 to 7,651 in 2000. Valley County has two incorporated communities, McCall (pop. 5,286)
and Cascade (pop. 2,333). McCall has experienced a 53% increase in population between 1990
and 2000 averaging slightly less than 6% annually. Unincorporated communities include Smith's
Ferry, Alpha, Warm Lake, Landmark, Yellow Pine, Big Creek, Donnelly, Roseberry, Lake Fork,
Lardo, and Edwardsburg. The total land area of the county is roughly 3,678 square miles
(2,353,920 acres).
Table 3.1 summarizes some relevant demographic statistics for Valley County.
Table 3.1 Selected demographic statistics for Valley County, Idaho, from Census 2000.
Subject
Total population
SEX AND AGE
Male
Female
Under 5 years
5._to 9...years ....................
10 to 14 years
15 to 19 years
20 to 24 years
25 to 34 years
35 to 44 years
45 to 54 years _
55 to 59 years
60 to 64 years
65 to 74 years
75 to 84 years
85 years and over
Median age ears
18years and over
Male
Female
21 years and over
62 years and over
65 years and over
Male
Number Percent
7,651 100.0
3,981
3,670
317
457
598
560
194
52.0
48.0
4.1
6.0
7.8
7.3
2.5
658......_—...........--......_8:6
1,260 16.5
19.1
6.2
1,458
474
548
692
365
70
43.9 �-
7.2
9.0
4.8
0.9
5,841 76.3
2,963 38.7
2,878 37.6
5,690 74.4
1,415 _ 18.5
1,127 14.7
552 7.2
Valley County WU/ Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Page 30
Table 3.1 Selected demographic statistics for Valley County, Idaho, from Census 2000.
Subject
Female
RELATIONSHIP
Population
In households
Householder
S ouse
Child
Own child under 18years
Other relatives
Under 18_ears __......
Non -relatives
Unmarried partner
In group quarters
Institutionalized population
Non -institutionalized population
HOUSEHOLDS BY TYPE
Households
Family households (families)
. ...........
Wth own children under 18 years
Married -couple family
With own children under 18 years
Female householder, no husband present
With own children under_ 18 years
Nonfamily households _
Number Percent
575 7.5
7,651
7,580
_100:0.....
99.1
3,213 42.0
2 020 26.4
1,875 24.5
1,652 21.6
190 2.5
114 1.5
282 3.7
124 1.6
71 0.9
64
7
0.8
0.1
3,213 100.0
2,292
917
2,030
71.3
28.5
63.2
Householder livingalone
Householder 65years and over
Households with individuals under 18 years
Households with individuals 65 years and over
Average household size
........ _.........................................
Average family size _
HOUSING TENURE
Occupied housing units
Owner occupied housing units
Renter -occupied housipg units
Average household size of owner -occupied unit
Average household size of renter -occupied unit
(X) Not applicable
Other Asian alone, or two or more Asian categories.
2 Other Pacific Islander alone, or two or more Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander categories.
744
169
111
921
23.2
5.3
3.5
28.7
- 788 __._____..__._.._24:5._
251
7.8
982 ...__...._...__... _ 30.6
1,081 33.6
2.36
.......................
2.78
3,208
..................
2,537
X
(X)
100.0
79.1
671 20.9
2.42
2.16
Valley County MB Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Page 31
3 In combination with one or more other races listed. The six numbers may add to more than the total population and the six
percentages may add to more than 100 percent because individuals may report more than one race.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 Summary File 1, Matrices P1, P3, P4, P8, P9, P12, P13, P,17, P18, P19, P20,
P23, P27, P28, P33, PCT5, PCTB, PCT11, PCT15, H1, H3, H4, H5, H11, and H12.
3.2 Socioeconomics
Valley County had a total of 3,208 occupied housing units and a population density of 2.1
persons per square mile reported in the 2000 Census. Ethnicity in Valley County is distributed:
white 96.4%, black or African American 0.0%, American Indian or Alaskan Native 0.7%, Asian
0.3%, Hispanic or Latino 2.0%, two or more races 1.4%, and some other race 1.1%.
Specific economic data for individual communities is collected by the US Census; in Valley
County this includes McCall and Cascade. McCall households earn a median income of
$38,678 annually and Cascade has a median income of $34,278, both of which compares to the
Valley County median income during the same period of $36,927. Table 3.2 shows the dispersal
of households in various income categories in Valley County.
Table 3.2 Income in 1999
Valley County
Number Percent
Households..._._....._..............................................._..._..... ........................._�. —3,213 _................ 100.0
............................
Less than $10,000 240 7.5
$10,000 to $14,999 239 7.4
$15,000 to $24,999 510 15.9
$25,000 to $34,999 515 16.0
$35,000 to $49,999 633 19.7
$50,000 to $74,999 658 20.5
$75,000 to $99,999 226 7.0
$100,000 to $149,999 125 3.9
$150,000 to $199,999 39 1.2
$200,000 or more 28 0.9
Median household income (dollars) 36,927 (X)
(Census 2000)
Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority
Populations and Low Income Populations, directs federal agencies to identify and address any
disproportionately high adverse human health or environmental effects of its projects on minority
or low-income populations. In Valley County, a significant number, 6.2%, of families are at or
below the poverty level (Table 3.3).
Table 3.3 Poverty Status in 1999 (below
poverty level)
Valley County
Number Percent
Families
Percent below_poverty level
With related children under 18years
Percent below_poverty level _
With related children under 5 years
Percent below_poverty level_ _.
_. __ _._.__.....____..____ _.___ _._._._ — r......._._..__._......._
Families with female householder, no
husband present
142
(X)
(X) _.... 6 2
86_ .....-._---. (X)_
_. ...... (X) 8.8
25
54
X
8.1
(X)
Valley County WU/ Wildfire Mitigation Plan
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Table 3.3 Poverty Status in 1999 (below
poverty level)
Valley County
Number Percent
_ Percent belowpoverty level _...._......_..........._.....__.........._.....__.. __.._...(X) 32.0
..._
With related children under 18_years _ 35 (X)
_ Percent belowpove_r_ty_ level ___.....�....__... __....._.__._.__ (X) 28.7
With... related_ children under 5 years..__......_._..........__......_......................... .. ................. 6.._.......... _... _..._(X)......
Percent belo _povelty_ level (X) 23.1
Individuals
Percent below poverty level
18_years and over
Percent below poverty level
65_years and over
Percent below_pover_ty level
Related children under 18 years
Percent below�ovesty level
Related children 5 to 1Lyears
Percent below poverty level (X) 10.4
Unrelated individuals 15 years and over 257 (X)
Percent below poverty level (X) 21.5
(Census 2000)
The unemployment rate was 3.8% in Valley County in 1999, compared to 4.4% nationally during
the same period. Approximately 7.0% of the Valley County employed population worked in
natural resources, with much of the indirect employment relying on the employment created
through these natural resource occupations; Table 3.4 (Census 2000).
701
X
_.___.__....._..........._(X)__.._ _ ._.............._9.._3..
_...____.501..........._____._.(X.)..
_.......__._.._.8.7
61 (X)
_............(X.).._................ .._ _.._.._56...
179._.........._._.. _._...._._(X)_
_ (X)_. 10.1
150 (X)
Table 3.4 Employment and Industry
Valley County
Number Percent
Empyed civilian population 16_ears and over
OCCUPATION
3,599 100.0
Management, professional, and related occupations 1,070 29.7
Service occupations p ........ �. 678 18.8
Sales and office occupations 843 23.4
Farming, fishing and forestry occupations 72 2.0
Construction, extraction, and maintenance occupations 579 16.1
Production, transportation, and material moving 357 9.9
occupations
INDUSTRY_. _
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining
Construction
Manufactunhg __ __......_.
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities
Information
253
478
242
7.0
13.3
6.7
63 _1.8
469 _ 13.0
186 5.2
52 1.4
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Page 33
Table 3.4 Employment and Industry
Valley County
Number Percent
Finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing 174 4.8
Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and 197 5.5
waste management services
Educational, health and social services 514 14.3
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food 452 12.6
services
Other serviceslexcept_public administration) 206 5.7
Public administration 313 8.7
Approximately 63% of Valley County's employed persons are private wage and salary workers,
while around 24% are government workers (Table 3.5).
Table 3.5 Class of Worker
Valley County
Number Percent
Private wage.. and ...salary workers ................................. _.................._. 2,270 ........_._............63.1
Government workers 848 23.6
Self-employed_ workers in own not incorporated business 452 12.6
Unpaid family workers 29 0.8
(Census 2000)
3.2.1 European Settlement of Valley County
Information summarized from the Valley County Comprehensive Plan.
Prior to the gold rush of the 1860's, Native Americans camped in Round Valley to hunt and to
dig and dry camas roots. Packer John Welch, who had contracted to freight supplies from
Umatilla Landing on the Columbia River to miners of Idaho City, established a camp on Gold
Fork Creek and a brush cabin on Clear Creek in the 1860's. He also established a station near
what later became the town site of Cascade.
During the 1870's, prospectors and miners followed in Packer John's footsteps to scour the
valley and surrounding mountains for gold. The Clara Foltz mines opened on Paddy Flat, and
other diggings commenced on Boulder and Gold Fork Creeks. Also during the 1870's, two
salmon fisheries operated seasonally on Payette Lake.
In the late 1870's, the last of the Sheepeater Tribe was removed from Long Valley and Round
Valley to a reservation. As the gold sources dwindled, a few of the miners took up squatter's
rights. James Horner built a cabin on Clear Creek in 1881. Other miners settled on the Payette
River. In 1883, S. M. Sisk, a young miner from New York, settled near the old townsite of
Crawford. Later the same year, L.S. Kimble came from Illinois and began to cut trees at
Tamarack Falls. A year later he moved to the site of VanWyck and opened the region's first
blacksmith shop. After Kimble came W.D. Patterson, T. L. Worthington, L.M. Gorton, John
DeHaas, E.A. Smith and many others who contributed to the development around VanWyck,
Crawford, and Alpha.
Land survey maps drawn in the 1890's show four schools: one at Alpha and three in the
Crawford-VanWyck area. Pioneer testimony tells about a fifth school located on Timber Ridge
near McCall. The maps also point out sawmills at Warner's Pond and on Gold Fork Creek, as
well as a small reservoir near VanWyck. And, in 1896, the Warren Dredge Co. opened a sawmill
on Payette Lake.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 34
The 1890's brought a period of strife for the new settlers. Ranchers from south of Long Valley
annually brought their large herds of cattle to graze in Long Valley. The homesteaders resented
the intrusion and retaliated on several occasions by slaughtering the outsider's cattle. This
tension existed for some years until the U.S. Forest Service began to regulate grazing.
Although gold was first discovered in the Thunder Mountain area in 1893, enthusiasm for the
area didn't begin until 1902, when W.H. Dewey began mining on a large scale. As many as
3,000 miners swarmed into the region seeking their fortunes. As a result, the town of Roosevelt
evolved, only to be destroyed by an immense landslide in 1908. Because the area had never
lived up to mining expectations, activity there died out soon after the landslide.
Probably the most important event in the Valley County area in the twentieth century was the
coming of the railroad. In 1914, the Union Pacific completed its track from Emmett to McCall,
making commercial logging profitable. Logging then became, along with farming and ranching,
the economic mainstay of Long Valley for many years. Towns distant from the railroad, such as
Alpha, Crawford, and Roseberry, soon lost their vitality and died. Towns near the railroad, such
as Cascade, Donnelly, and McCall, thrived and became the population centers of Valley
County. Elo, Thunder City, Pearsol, Norwood, and Spink eventually lost their activity to the three
major towns. There were numerous private mills located throughout the county in the 1900's. In
October of 1977 the last log went through the Boise Cascade Corporation's sawmill on Payette
Lake in McCall — in May of 2001 Boise Cascade Corporation's sawmill in Cascade was closed.
In 1917, Valley County was created by the Idaho State legislature. Prior to that, it had been part
of Boise County and Idaho County, both of which were created when Idaho was a territory. The
portion of Boise County appears to have been in the North Fork of the Payette River drainage.
The portion of Idaho County appears to have been in the Salmon River drainage.
In 1948, the Cascade Dam was completed on the Payette River. The reservoir was created for
retention of water for irrigation and flood control. The back waters from this dam covered some
of the best farming and ranch land in the valley and caused the rerouting of Highway 55 over
Little Donner. It also caused many families to be relocated, some of them against their will.
Since then the reservoir has been renamed to Lake Cascade and has become a renowned
fishery.
3.2.2 Description of Valley County
Valley County is located in Central Idaho. It is bounded on the north by Idaho County, on the
west by Adams and Gem County, on the south by Boise County, and on the east by Custer and
Lemhi County.
Valley is a large county covering approximately 3,678 square miles. Of this, 88.1 % is federally
owned, 3.2% is state land, 0.1 % belongs to the county, and the remaining 8.7% is in private
ownership. The majority of the private lands are confined to Long Valley, Round Valley, and
High Valley on the western edge of the county. Less than ten percent of the county is available
for development or habitation and nearly all of this private land is concentrated on the western
side. Approximately 1.0% of the total privately owned lands are currently used for agricultural
production, while 84.9% is residential housing.
Valley County has altitudes ranging from 2,850 feet to nearly 9,700 feet. The topography is
extremely varied, from high elevation meadows to steep mountainous terrain. The lower
elevation valley regions are located on the western side of the county and are separated into
Long Valley, Round Valley, and High Valley. The Payette and Boise National Forest share in the
management of the entire central and eastern portions of the Valley County.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 35
The flatter valley regions are very fertile and have numerous water resources, including mineral
hot springs. Farming and ranching has been historically, and continues to be, an important
component of the County's economy. The tourism industry has grown significantly in the last
few decades. Valley County is well known for having some of the most multifaceted recreational
opportunities in the state. The populations of the relatively small communities inevitably double
during the summer months. Winter sports are also very popular with snowmobiling, skiing, and
the McCall Winter Carnival attracting flocks of visitors annually. Buyers from the nearby
Treasure Valley and beyond frequently purchase or build second homes in this area. It is
determined that 80% of the home owners in Valley County do not live full-time in Valley County.
3.2.3 Highways
State Highway 55 is the sole mainstream transportation route through the county. This narrow
two-lane highway travels through the flatter valley regions on the western side of the county.
There are numerous other county and forest roads crisscrossing the area; however, Highway 55
is the only route connecting Valley County with resources in northern and southern Idaho. Due
to the mountainous terrain, there are only a few forest routes extending into the Payette and
Boise National Forest to access distant rural communities. The majority of these roadways are
unimproved or one -lane gravel routes, which may or may not be opened year round. Highway
55 and most other travel routes in Valley County are bordered by sections of timberland.
3.2.4 Rivers
The major rivers in the county are the North Fork Payette River, the Middle Fork Payette River,
and the East, Middle, and South Forks of the Salmon River. The North Fork Payette River is
dammed near Cascade forming Lake Cascade Reservoir (A.K.A. Lake Cascade), a significant
economic and socially valuable entity. Other important bodies of water are Payette Lake, Little
Payette Lake, Warm Lake, Horsethief Reservoir, and Deadwood Reservoir.
3.2.5 Temperature
In the Valley County Area, summers are warm in the valley regions, but are much cooler in the
mountains. Winters are typically cold throughout. Valleys are commonly colder than the lower
slopes of adjacent mountains because of cold air drainage. In the mountains precipitation
occurs throughout the year, and a deep snowpack accumulates during winter. Valley
precipitation in summer falls as showers; some thunderstorms occur. In winter the ground is
covered with snow much of the time.
3.2.6 Geology
Near McCall, Idaho, three major groups of Idaho rocks border one another; granite of the Idaho
batholith, flood -basalt flows of the Columbia River Basalt Group, and metamorphosed island -arc
Sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Seven Devils Group.
McCall is also at the end of Long Valley, a major tectonic and structural feature of west central
Idaho. The West Mountain escarpment is the high ridge formed along the west side of the Long
Valley fault. West Mountain and Long Valley are part of a group of linear north -south ranges and
valleys formed by block faulting during the late Tertiary and Quaternary. The Miocene Columbia
River Basalts overlies the gneissic and granitic rocks of the Idaho batholith's west border and is
commonly tilted 15°-30° west. As West Mountain rose and Long Valley subsided, as much as
7,000 feet of alluvium accumulated in the valley. The broad, high elevation region north of
McCall was mostly buried by an ice cap during Pleistocene glaciations. At the same time, cirque
and small valley glaciers formed on West Mountain. During at least three periods of glaciations,
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 36
major valley glaciers flowed from Ice cap in to the north end of Long Valley and formed large
arcuate moraines. Most recently, during the Pinedale Glaciation, the North Fork valley glacier
carved the basin and deposited the moraines which form Payette Lake, and the Lake Fork
valley glacier formed the moraine of Little Payette Lake. During earlier glaciations the valley
glaciers were thicker and longer, forming the prominent medial moraine, Timber Ridge.
The braided meltwater streams from these glaciers coursed across the valley depositing sand
and gravel. During the older, most extensive glaciations, the braided streams formed the broad,
gently sloping area southwest of Timber Ridge that now is the high terrace above the Payette
River. The younger, Pinedale age meltwater formed the lower gravelly terrace on which the
McCall airport is located.
The glacial deposits are divided into two categories on the basis of origin. "Till' is deposited
directly by a melting glacier as it forms a moraine. "Outwash" is deposited by the meltwater
streams leading away from the glacier. The older moraines and outwash plains are not only
distinctive because of their position farther out in the valley, but surfaces of these older
landforms have been eroded and weathered faster than the younger moraines and outwash.
The greater weathering is revealed by examining the soils.
3.2.7 Recreation
Valley County has many outstanding tourism and recreational facilities. The county offers a full
panorama of recreational opportunities ranging from boating on Payette or Cascade Lake to
skiing at Brundage Mountain.
The economic impacts of these activities to the local economy and the economy of Idaho have
not been enumerated. However, they are substantial given the many months of the year that
activities take place and the large numbers of visitors that travel to this location.
The Boise National Forest encompasses much of the central and southern portions of the
County while the Payette National Forest manages much of the northern end of the county.
3.2.7.1 Boise National Forest
Extensive outdoor recreational activities occur (hunting, four -wheeling, etc.) in the Boise
National Forest. There are also numerous developed and undeveloped campsites throughout
the Forest. Deadwood Reservoir and Warm Lake are popular vacation and recreational
destinations. The Forest Service maintains a lodge and store on the north shore of Warm Lake
to accommodate tourists and summer vacationers that own cabins and second homes on the
lake front.
3.2.7.2 Payette National Forest
The Payette National Forest covers the northern and northeastern regions of Valley County.
There are widespread outdoor recreational activities throughout the Forest including hunting,
fishing, four -wheeling, hiking, and camping. Some of the developed campsites available to the
public are located within a few minutes of civilization, while access to others is limited to foot or
four -wheeler traffic. The small towns of Yellow Pine and Big Creek located in the heart of the
Payette National Forest offer only a few services to visitors.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 37
3.2.7.3 Ponderosa State Park
The character of the park is molded by its diverse topography. It ranges from arid sagebrush
flats to a lakeside trail; from flat, even ground to steep cliffs; and from dense forest to spongy
marsh. Nature trails and dirt roads have been developed so visitors can enjoy these areas.
Camping is available in the park and in nearby Lakeview Village. The park maintains 11 miles of
groomed cross country ski trails and one -and -one half miles are lighted for night skiing.
The main unit of Ponderosa State Park covers most of a 1,000-acre peninsula that juts into
Payette Lake, just outside McCall. This section of Ponderosa State Park has approximately 200
campsites and all have water and electricity.
At the north end of Payette Lake lies the 630-acre North Beach Unit —the largest public sandy
beach on the lake. Twenty-two primitive campsites are available. The Payette River winds
placidly through timbered country and provides excellent canoeing. The area is also a sanctuary
for wildlife including deer, ducks, fish and numerous small fur -bearing animals. There are vault
toilets, but no other facilities.
The park's namesake, the 150-foot-tall ponderosa pine, is the most noticeable species of tree.
Douglas -fir and grand fir, lodgepole pine and western larch also grow in the park. Birds often
sighted include osprey, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, Canada geese, wood ducks and
mallards, along with a variety of songbirds, woodpeckers, hummingbirds and ravens. Deer, red
fox, beavers, muskrats and bear have also been spotted in the area. The park is rich in
wildflowers, especially along the interpretive trail that winds around Meadow Marsh.
3.2.7.4 Lake Cascade State Park
Lake Cascade, which is formed by the Cascade Dam is part of the Boise Project. Managed by
the Bureau of Reclamation, this 44 square mile lake offers 86 miles of shoreline. The most
popular Reclamation recreational reservoir in Idaho, Lake Cascade's annual visitation exceeds
300,000 people. Boating, fishing, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, wildlife
viewing, and swimming are the major recreational activities at Lake Cascade. Fish species
include rainbow and brown trout, coho and kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, bullhead catfish,
and yellow perch.
Approximately 15 designated campsites within Lake Cascade State Park are located all around
the perimeter of Lake Cascade Reservoir; each one with a different view of the lake. Popular for
all types of boating, prevailing winds on the water make it especially well -suited for sailing and
windsurfing. Rainbow trout, Coho salmon, and small mouth bass and perch can be caught from
the shore or by boat in the summer or through the ice in the winter.
The North Fork of the Payette River, with its world -class kayaking rapids, flows to the south of
Cascade. A challenging nine -hole golf course graces the southeast shore of the reservoir.
During the winter 800 miles of groomed snowmobile trails are available in the area.
Visitors will find 300 tent and RV campsites scattered around the reservoir. The campgrounds
each feature restroom facilities and domestic water. Other amenities vary. Cascade features
two group camp areas, Snowbank and Poison Creek. These sites are open grassy areas with
few trees, but they offer great seclusion for small to medium-sized groups. Osprey Point is the
secluded, yet accessible, site of our three group yurts. Yurts feature wood stoves for heat,
propane lighting, a propane stove for cooking, beds and other furniture.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 38
3.2.7.5 Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area covers a comparatively small region in
the northeastern corner of Valley County. The United States Congress designated the Frank
Church -River of No Return Wilderness in 1980 and it now has a total of 2,366,757 acres, all of
which is in Idaho. Few places in America, and nowhere outside of Alaska, provide a Wilderness
experience to match the sheer magnitude of the Frank Church -River of No Return, the second
largest unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System in the Lower 48 (second in size only
to California's Death Valley Wilderness).
It is a land of clear rivers, deep canyons, and rugged mountains. Two white -water rivers draw
many human visitors: the Main Salmon River in neighboring Idaho and Lemhi Counties and the
Middle Fork of the Salmon, which begins runs along the eastern boundary of Valley County.
Trout fishing usually rates from good to excellent. The Middle Fork, the Selway, and a portion of
the Main Salmon are Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Salmon River Mountains dominate the
interior of the Wilderness. Without a major crest, these mountains splay out in a multitude of
minor crests in all directions, and rise gradually to wide summits. Great forests of Douglas -fir
and lodgepole pine cover much of the area, with spruce and fir higher up and ponderosa pine at
lower altitudes. The forests are broken by grassy meadows and sun -washed, treeless slopes.
As many as 370 species of wildlife have been identified in a single year, including eight big
game animal species.
3.2.7.6 Payette Lake
The Payette Lake Dam was built in 1944 for irrigational purposes, but has become the main
summertime attraction for the community of McCall. Recreational activities near the lake include
boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and many others. A large portion of the lake's shoreline has
been developed for residential properties, many of which are solely vacation or summer homes.
Ponderosa State Park and the Idaho Department of Lands also maintain property bordering
Payette Lake.
3.2.7.7 Warm Lake
Warm Lake is a 640 acre lake about 25 miles east of Cascade on Forest Service Road 22
(Warm Lake Highway). The U.S. Forest Service maintains a campground, day use area and
boat ramp on the north shore. Two private lodges also provide services. Summer homes and
cabins line much of shore, particularly on the north side. This area is very popular for camping,
fishing, hiking, and many water sport activities. The greater Warm Lake area has a rich mining
history, evidence of which can still be seen today.
3.2.7.8 Deadwood Reservoir
The Deadwood Reservoir was built in 1930 by the Boise Project. Deadwood Reservoir is three
and one half miles long and covers 3,180 acres. Deadwood Dam is a concrete -arch structure
that provides a regulated flow for the power plant at Black Canyon Diversion Dam and for
irrigation in the Payette Division and Emmett Irrigation District. Hiking, boating, camping, and
fishing are the major recreation activities at Deadwood Reservoir. Available species include
Atlantic, Chinook, and kokanee salmon, and rainbow and cutthroat trout. The Idaho state record
Atlantic salmon (13 lb. & 4 oz., 29 3/4 inches) was taken in 1995 from Deadwood reservoir.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 39
3.2.7.9 Idaho State Centennial Trail
The Idaho State Centennial Trail passes through central Valley County just east of Warm Lake.
The Trail extends about 1,200 miles from Nevada to the Canadian border passing through 11
national forests, 1,200 miles of rugged sagebrush desert, and the largest contiguous wilderness
in the lower 48 states. The trail provides for a variety of uses: horseback riding, hiking, cross-
country skiing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, motorized trail biking, and even conventional
vehicle use where the "trail" is actually a road.
3.2.7.10 Boating and Kayaking
Boating and kayaking are very popular activities in Valley County. Payette Lake and Lake
Cascade, which can be access via Highway 55, swarm with various types of boaters and
recreation users during the warmer months. Boat ramps and docks are conveniently located at
several points around both water bodies. The numerous rivers throughout the county boast
some of the best whitewater kayaking in the country.
3.2.7A1 Camping
Camping is another popular activity enjoyed by the residents and visitors of Valley County. Both
state parks and the national forests provide campsites varying from wheelchair accessible to
isolated sites. The amenities vary from full RV hookup to only a cleared tent site.
3.2.7.12 Fishing and Hunting
Fishing and hunting is very important to Valley County both from a recreational standpoint and
as an economic resource. A wide variety of fish can be caught in Valley County including: trout,
bass, catfish, salmon, whitefish, crappie, perch, and pike. The rivers and many of the stocked
lakes provide excellent fisheries.
For those people who prefer a gun or bow to a fly rod, Valley County offers a bounty of hunting
experiences. Wild birds and game, like deer, elk, bear, pheasant, quail, partridge, chukar,
grouse, wild duck, geese, and doves are found in abundance.
3.2.7.13 Winter Sports
For those people who enjoy winter sports, Valley County has a variety of activities to interest
them. Skiers will be exhilarated by the challenging slopes of Brundage Mountain and upcoming
Tamarack Resort. Snowmobilers are not left out; miles of designated snowmobile areas attract
many local and out of town thrill seekers.
3.2.8 Resource Dependency
The economy of Valley County has been dependent upon the government, timber, mining, and
agriculture. With major segments of the economy being seasonal employers, high
unemployment has been a part of the traditional economic pattern. The single most important
fact about the economy of Valley County is that the economic pattern is in a state of change.
Limited supplies of private timber and restrictive government land -use policies have resulted in
a dramatic decline of the timber industry. Declines in timber harvest create a hardship on the
county. These "forest funds" play an important role in funding county schools and roads. The
timber industry is crucial to the economy in Valley County.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 40
Mining has had good and bad years. In the 50's the leading industry was mining. In the late 90's
reclamation was begun on the Stibnite mine. The effect of mining on the current economy has
become negligible due to the inability to comply with restrictive government land -use policies.
The size and number of farms maintained for agricultural purposes has decreased and
croplands are being purchased and developed to satisfy the demand for recreational housing.
Agriculture has declined as an employer from 168 jobs in 1980 to 133 jobs in 1996.
Tourism has become more influential to the local economy. Retail and services are now the top
employment category, with government second, and construction third.
Total civilian employment in the county grew 22% from 1985 to 1995. McCall is the top work
destination for Valley County employees, with unincorporated Valley County second, and
Cascade third.
The communities of Valley County have been evaluated by the University of Idaho College of
Natural Resources Policy Analysis Group (PAG) for the degree of natural resource dependency
each community experiences.
Idaho communities with more than 10% employment in resource -based sectors (wood products,
travel & tourism, agriculture, and mining) were evaluated by Harris et al. (2003). Their findings
indicate the following (Harris et al. 2000):
• McCall Travel and Tourism Only
• Cascade Travel & Tourism Only
• Donnelly Travel and Tourism Only
• Smith's Ferry Travel & Tourism and Agriculture
From 1993 to 1998 sawmill capacity dropped rapidly in response to dwindling public log
supplies. Only two of five dominant companies operating in 1995 were still operating in 1998,
and one of these, Boise Cascade, closed two of its large sawmills during this period. In the mid-
1980s Boise Cascade operated three sawmills, one plywood mill, and a finishing -planer mill.
Idaho closures included its Council and Horseshoe Bend sawmills. Only two facilities remained
open in 1999, the sawmill in Cascade and a plywood mill in Emmett. In the last few years, both
of these mills closed, along with Croman's mill.
Similar trends are occurring elsewhere in Idaho. In north central Idaho, Potlatch Corporation's
Jaype mill in Pierce closed in 2002, and its Lewiston plant has been steadily reducing
employees. Other recent closings of Idaho mills have occurred in Coeur d'Alene, Boise, and
Grangeville, and in Baker, Oregon (Harris et al. 2000).
Harris et al. (2003) further evaluated Idaho communities based on their level of direct
employment in several industrial sectors. Their findings for communities in Valley County are
summarized in Table 3.6.
Table 3.6. Levels of direct employment by industrial sector
Community Economic Agriculture Timber Travel and State / Federal Mining
Diversity Tourism Local Gov. and
Index Gov. Minerals
McCall High Low Low High Med. Low Low Low
Cascade Huh _ Low Med. Low Med High High Med. High _ Low
Donnelly Med Low Low Low High Med. Low Low Low
Smith's Ferry Low High Low High Low Low Low
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 41
A "low" level of direct employment represents 5% or less of total employment in a given sector; "med. low," 6 to 10%;
"med. high" 11 to 19%; and "high" 20% or more of total employment in a given sector.
Source: Harris et al. 2000
3.3 Growth and Development
Valley County has recently developed a Comprehensive Growth and Development Plan. The
Valley County Comprehensive Plan is a guide that establishes goals and objectives to help the
County grow and develop. The Valley County Comprehensive Plan includes a forecast of
conditions that are anticipated to occur within the next ten to fifteen year period, 2000 to 2025.
The Valley County Comprehensive Plan is directed toward all land within the County including
Federal, State, Public and Private lands. This Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan
is developed to dove -tail with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. For more
details on the Comprehensive plan, contact the Valley County Commissioners Office.
3.3.1 Population
The year 2000 US Census established the Valley County population at 7,651. Table 3.7 shows
population projections for Valley County (adapted from the Valley County Comprehensive Plan
2003). This projected population increase represents about 3,200 new residents to Valley
County during the next 20 years.
Table 3.7 Population Projections for Valley County, Idaho
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 1997 2000 2010 2015 2020
4,270 3,663 3,609 5,604 6,109 8,099 7,858 11,495 12,618 13,880
3.4 Cultural Resources
Cultural resource impacts were qualitatively assessed through a presence/absence
determination of significant cultural resources and mitigation measures to be employed during
potential fire mitigation activities such as thinning and prescribed fire.
The United States has a unique legal relationship with Indian tribal governments defined in
history, the U.S. Constitution, treaties, statutes, Executive Orders, and court decisions. Since
the formation of the union, the United States has recognized Indian tribes as domestic
dependant nations under its protection. The Federal Government has enacted numerous
regulations that establish and define a trust relationship with Indian tribes.
The northern extent of Valley County is within the area ceded to the Federal Government by the
Nez Perce Indians in 1855 and 1863. The last members of the Sheepeater Tribe were removed
from Long Valley and Round Valley to a reservation in the 1870s. The Shoshone and Paiute
Indians also traveled through this area historically for hunting, gathering, and trading with other
Tribes.
The relationship between Federal agencies and sovereign tribes is defined by several laws and
regulations addressing the requirement of Federal agencies to notify or consult with Native
American groups or otherwise consider their interests when planning and implementing Federal
undertakings, among these are:
• EO 13175, November 6, 2000, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 42
" P r e s i d e n t i a l M e m o r a n d u m , A p r i l , 1 9 9 4 . G o v e r n m e n t - G o v e r n m e n t R e l a t i o n s w i t h
T r i b a l G o v e r n m e n t s ( S u p p l e m e n t s E O 1 3 1 7 5 ) . A g e n c i e s m u s t c o n s u l t w i t h f e d e r a l l y
r e c o g n i z e d t r i b e s i n t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f F e d e r a l P o l i c i e s t h a t h a v e t r i b a l i m p l i c a t i o n s .
" E O 1 3 0 0 7 , S a c r e d s i t e s , M a y 2 4 , 1 9 9 6 . R e q u i r e s t h a t i n m a n a g i n g F e d e r a l l a n d s ,
a g e n c i e s m u s t a c c o m m o d a t e a c c e s s a n d c e r e m o n i a l u s e o f s a c r e d s i t e s a n d m u s t a v o i d
a d v e r s e l y a f f e c t i n g t h e p h y s i c a l i n t e g r i t y o f t h e s e s i t e s .
" E O 1 2 8 7 5 , E n h a n c i n g I n t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l P a r t n e r s h i p s , O c t o b e r 2 6 , 1 9 9 3 . M a i n l y
c o n c e r n e d w i t h u n f u n d e d m a n d a t e s c a u s e d b y a g e n c y r e g u l a t i o n s . A l s o s t a t e s t h e
i n t e n t i o n o f e s t a b l i s h i n g " r e g u l a r a n d m e a n i n g f u l c o n s u l t a t i o n a n d c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h
s t a t e , l o c a l a n d t r i b a l g o v e r n m e n t s o n m a t t e r s t h a t s i g n i f i c a n t l y o r u n i q u e l y a f f e c t t h e i r
c o m m u n i t i e s . "
" N a t i v e A m e r i c a n G r a v e s P r o t e c t i o n a n d R e p a t r i a t i o n A c t ( N A G P R A ) o f 1 9 8 9 .
S p e c i f i e s t h a t a n a g e n c y m u s t t a k e r e a s o n a b l e s t e p s t o d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r a p l a n n e d
a c t i v i t y m a y r e s u l t i n t h e e x c a v a t i o n o f h u m a n r e m a i n s , f u n e r a r y o b j e c t s , s a c r e d o b j e c t s
a n d i t e m s o f c u l t u r a l p a t r i m o n y f r o m F e d e r a l l a n d s . N A G P R A a l s o h a s s p e c i f i e d
r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r n o t i f y i n g a n d c o n s u l t i n g t r i b e s .
" A r c h a e o l o g i c a l R e s o u r c e s P r o t e c t i o n A c t ( A R P A ) , 1 9 7 9 . R e q u i r e s t h a t F e d e r a l
p e r m i t s b e o b t a i n e d b e f o r e c u l t u r a l r e s o u r c e i n v e s t i g a t i o n s b e g i n o n F e d e r a l l a n d . I t a l s o
r e q u i r e s t h a t i n v e s t i g a t o r s c o n s u l t w i t h t h e a p p r o p r i a t e N a t i v e A m e r i c a n t r i b e p r i o r t o
i n i t i a t i n g a r c h a e o l o g i c a l s t u d i e s o n s i t e s o f N a t i v e A m e r i c a n o r i g i n .
" A m e r i c a n I n d i a n R e l i g i o u s F r e e d o m A c t ( A I R F A ) , 1 9 7 8 . S e t s t h e p o l i c y o f t h e U S t o
p r o t e c t a n d p r e s e r v e f o r N a t i v e A m e r i c a n s t h e i r i n h e r e n t r i g h t s o f f r e e d o m t o b e l i e v e ,
e x p r e s s , a n d e x e r c i s e t h e t r a d i t i o n a l r e l i g i o n s o f t h e A m e r i c a n I n d i a n . . . i n c l u d i n g , b u t
n o t l i m i t e d t o a c c e s s t o s a c r e d s i t e s , u s e a n d p o s s e s s i o n o f s a c r e d o b j e c t s , a n d t h e
f r e e d o m t o w o r s h i p t h r o u g h c e r e m o n i e s a n d t r a d i t i o n a l r i t e s .
" N a t i o n a l E n v i r o n m e n t a l P o l i c y A c t ( N E P A ) , 1 9 6 9 . L e a d a g e n c y s h a l l i n v i t e
p a r t i c i p a t i o n o f a f f e c t e d F e d e r a l , S t a t e , a n d l o c a l a g e n c i e s a n d a n y a f f e c t e d I n d i a n
T r i b e ( s ) .
" N a t i o n a l H i s t o r i c P r e s e r v a t i o n A c t ( N H P A ) , 1 9 6 6 . R e q u i r e s a g e n c i e s t o c o n s u l t w i t h
N a t i v e A m e r i c a n t r i b e s i f a p r o p o s e d F e d e r a l a c t i o n m a y a f f e c t p r o p e r t i e s t o w h i c h t h e y
a t t a c h r e l i g i o u s a n d c u l t u r a l s i g n i f i c a n c e . ( B u l l e t i n 3 8 o f t h e a c t , i d e n t i f i c a t i o n o f T C P s ,
t h i s c a n o n l y b e d o n e b y t r i b e s . )
" T r e a t i e s ( s u p r e m e l a w o f t h e l a n d ) i n w h i c h t r i b e s w e r e r e s e r v e d c e r t a i n r i g h t s f o r
h u n t i n g , f i s h i n g a n d g a t h e r i n g a n d o t h e r s t i p u l a t i o n s o f t h e t r e a t y .
" U n s e t t l e d a b o r i g i n a l t i t l e t o t h e l a n d , u n - e x t i n g u i s h e d r i g h t s o f t r i b e s .
3 . 4 . 1 N a t i o n a l R e g i s t e r o f H i s t o r i c P l a c e s
T h e N a t i o n a l P a r k S e r v i c e m a i n t a i n s t h e N a t i o n a l R e g i s t e r o f H i s t o r i c a l P l a c e s a s a r e p o s i t o r y o f
i n f o r m a t i o n o n s i g n i f i c a n t c u l t u r a l l o c a l e . T h e s e m a y b e b u i l d i n g s , r o a d s o r t r a i l s , p l a c e s w h e r e
h i s t o r i c a l e v e n t s t o o k p l a c e , o r o t h e r n o t e w o r t h y s i t e s . T h e N P S h a s r e c o r d e d s i t e s i n i t s
d a t a b a s e . T h e s e s i t e s a r e s u m m a r i z e d i n T a b l e 3 . 8 .
V a l l e y C o u n t y W U I W i l d f i r e M i t i g a t i o n P l a n P a g e 4 3
Tabt+ 3 8Mati�i of �torwc'� my CuntYi tdahae ti
1
Big Creek Commissary Payette National
Forest
2 Braddock Gold Mining
and Milling Company
Log Building and Forge
Ruins
3 Brown Tie and Lumber
Company Mill and
Burner
4 Cabin Creek Ranch
5 Elo School
6 Matt N. Hill Homestead
Barn
7 Thomas Jarvis
Homestead
8 John G.Johnson
(Rintakangas)
Homestead
9 John S. Johnson
(Sampila). Homestead
10 John Korvola
Homestead
11 Charles Koski
12 Krassel Ranger Station
13 Gust Laituri Homestead
14 Long Valley Finnish
Church
15 Jacob and Herman
......... .
Mahala Homestead__
16 Jacob Maki Homestead
17 McCall Building
18 North Fork Payette
River Bridge
_ ..._.___...._.___...._._._._..____...._........_....
19 Herman Ojala
Homestead
20 Rice Meetinghouse
21 Roosevelt Lake
Yellow Pine and 2000
BgCreek
Suicide Rock Thunder City 1985
ID 55 at Payette McCall 1986
Lake
Cabin Creek @
Jct. with Big
Creek
Payette National 1990
Forest, Black
Butte
SE of ID 55 on McCall
Farm to Market
Road
SE of McCall McCall
E of Lake Fork
on Finn Road
....................................................
NE of Lake Fork Lake Fork
off Pearson Road
NE of Lake Fork
off Pearson Road
Roseberry Road Donnelly
and Farm to
Market Road
SE of McCall
Lake Fork
Lake Fork
1982
1982
1982
1982
1982
1982
McCall 1982
S Fork of Salmon Payette National 1992
River, 11 milies Forest, Yellow
W of Yellow Pine Pine
NE of Lake Fork
off Pearson Road
..............................................................
SE of Lake Fork Lake Fork
N of Donnelly
Off ID 55
.....................................................
310 E Lake
Street
ID 55, 2.5 miles
N of Smith's
Ferry.............._ _..............
NE of Lake Fork
off Pearson Road
................................................
NE of McCall
E of Yellow Pine
Lake Fork
Donnelly
Donnelly
McCall
1982
1980
1982
1982
1981
Smith's Ferry 1999
Lake Fork
1982
McCall 1980
Yellow Pine 1972
USDA Forest
Service
Pekkala,
Abram
Niemala,
Heikki, & Matt
Koski,
Charles
CCC, USDA
Forest
Service
Laituri, Gust
........................................................
Heikkila, John
and Ruuska,
John
Kyle, Charles
A.
Gustafson,
Gus
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Page 44
22 Matt Ruatsale N of Kantola
Homestead Lane
23 Southern Idaho Timber
Protective Association
_(SITPALBuildings_...._._..
24 Southern Idaho Timber
Protective Association
(SITPA) Buildinc,�s _
25 Stibnite Historic Mining US Forest Road Yellow Pine 1987
District 412
26 Nickolai Wargelin SE of McCall McCall 1982
Homestead
Lake Fork 1982
1001 State Street McCall 1990
ID 55 Smith's Ferry 1990
Lapinoja,
Gust and
Heikkila John
Lapinoja,
Gust and
Heikkila, John
(NRHP 2003)
Fire mitigation activities in and around these sites has the potential to affect historic places. In
all cases, the fire mitigation work will be intended to reduce the potential of damaging the site
due to wildfire. Areas where ground disturbance will occur will need to be inventoried depending
on the location. Such actions may include, but not be limited to, constructed firelines (handline,
mechanical line, etc.), new roads to creeks to fill water tankers, mechanical treatments, etc.
Only those burn acres that may impact cultural resources that are sensitive to burning (i.e.,
buildings, peeled bark trees, etc.) would be examined. Burns over lithic sites are not expected to
have an impact on those sites, as long as the fire is of low intensity and short duration. Some
areas with heavy vegetation may need to be examined after the burn to locate and record any
cultural resources although this is expected to be minimal. Traditional Cultural Properties
(TCPs) will also need to be identified. Potential impact to TCPs will depend on the values that
make the property important and will be assessed on an individual basis.
From the County's Comprehensive Plan, the following goals are enumerated:
Special Areas and Sites Goal Ns I
To identify, protect, and maintain historically significant buildings and sites within Valley
County.
Special Areas and Sites Objectives:
1. Promote continued identification and mapping of cultural and historical resources
within the county.
2. Promote establishment of buffer zones surrounding historically significant
buildings and sites.
3. Explore ways to provide incentives for owners of historically significant buildings
to preserve and maintain them.
3.5 Transportation
State Highway 55 is the only arterial highway in Valley County; thus it is the transportation
lifeline of Valley County. It is a two-lane road that runs north to south through Long Valley
connecting Cascade, Donnelly, and McCall and provides the only major outlet to urban areas
north and south of the county. The Idaho Transportation Department has long range plans for
two alternate routes and one reroute of Highway 55 in Valley County.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 45
Due to the rugged mountainous terrain, many east -west routes intersecting Highway 55 are not
passable year-round. A route to Yellow Pine is maintained year -around when funding is
available. The Warm Lake Road to Stanley is used extensively during the summer months and
when passable in the winter.
Ribboning the county are numerous graded and drained, improved and unimproved roads used
primarily for logging, mining, and access to private property as well as recreational activities.
These roads provide access through Forest Service lands. The Valley County Road Department
maintains 714 miles of roadway. Of these roadways, 187 miles are paved; the remaining 527
miles are gravel.
Three public airports are available for general aviation use in Cascade, Donnelly, and McCall.
Other public airports are located in the back country and are operated by the state department
of Aeronautics. Charter flights are available to various points of passengers and freight. There
numerous private grass airstrips.
The Idaho Northern and Pacific Railroad line currently links Cascade and Emmett although
there are no longer commercial operations on this line. A sightseeing train hauls passengers on
tours between Horseshoe Bend and Cascade. Additionally, the Idaho Historical Railroad
provides sightseeing tours for passengers between Cascade and Smith's Ferry on the Thunder
Mountain Line.
Transportation networks in the county have been challenged by a number of communities with
only one, two, or three access points suitable for use during an emergency. The communities of
Yellow Pine and Warm Lake are prime examples.
3.6 Vegetation & Climate
Vegetation in Valley County is a mix of forestland and rangeland ecosystems. An evaluation of
satellite imagery of the region provides some insight to the composition of the forest vegetation
of the area. The full extent of the county was evaluated for cover type as determined from
Landsat 7 ETM+ imagery in tabular format, Table 3.9.
The most represented vegetated cover types are forest ecosystems with Douglas -fir, lodgepole
pine, subalpine and dry (xeric) forests dominating (Table 3.9).
Table 3.9 Cover Types in Valley County
Acres
Percent of
County's Total
Area
Douglas -fir 553,820 23.2%
Lodgepole Pine 378,554 15.9%
Mixed Subalpine Forest 214,869 9.0%
Mixed Xeric Forest 162,623 6.8%
Subalpine Fir 146,000 6.1%
Ponderosa Pine 122,985 5.1%
Warm Mesic Shrubs 109,454 4.6%
Subalpine Pine 96,534 4.0%
Herbaceous Burn 84,813 3.6%
Mountain Big Sagebrush 63,683 2.7%
Montane Parklands and Subalpine Meadow 59,888 2.5%
Agricultural Land 58,170 2.4%
Basin & Wyoming Big Sagebrush 42,003 1.8%
Douglas-fir/Lodgepole Pine 40,851 1.7%
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 46
Table 3.9 Cover Types in Valley County
Acres
Percent of
County's Total
Area
Subalpine fir/Whitebark Pine 35,774 1.5%
Water 34,945 1.5%
Shrub Dominated Riparian 34,252 1.4%
Perennial Grass Slope 33,397 1.4%
Grand Fir 23,202 1.0%
Foothills Grassland 15,976 0.7%
Wet Meadow 10,596 0.4%
Douglas-fir/Grand Fir 10,331 0.4%
Needleleaf Dominated Riparian 9,255 0.4%
Aspen 7,786 0.3%
Shallow Marsh 6,222 0.3%
Graminiod or Forb Dominated Riparian 4,785 0.2%
Broadleaf Dominated Riparian 3,762 0.2%
High Intensity Urban 3,261 0.1%
Curlleaf Mountain Mahogany 2,779 0.1%
Perennial Grassland 2,718 0.1%
Bitterbrush 2,601 0.1%
Deep Marsh 2,260 0.1%
Low Sagebrush 1,907 0.1%
Herbaceous Clearcut 1,707 0.1%
Mountain Low Sagebrush 1,689 0.1%
Alpine Meadow 1,376 0.1%
Disturbed, Low 999 0.0%
Low Intensity Urban 815 0.0%
Mixed Needleleaf/Broadleaf Forest 671 0.0%
Engelmann Spruce 251 0.0%
Disturbed, High 222 0.0%
Mud Flat 130 0.0%
Shrub/Steppe Annual Grass-Forb 107 0.0%
Exposed Rock 99 0.0%
Vegetative communities within the county follow the strong moisture and temperature gradient
related to the major river drainages. Ample precipitation and soil conditions result in a relatively
well vegetated environment. As moisture availability increases, so does the abundance of
conifer species, with subalpine forest communities present in the highest elevations where
precipitation and elevation provide more available moisture during the growing season.
3.6.1 Forests
The harvest of timber and other products from forestland in Valley County is essential to the
local economy. Continuation of harvest operations, thinning, and other silvicultural practices
ensures the safety and improves the health and diversity of the land. Much of Valley County's
forested area is being used under a multiple use concept such as timber production, livestock
grazing, wildlife habitat, recreation, and watershed protection. Certain areas are classified as
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 47
critical and have been set aside for a specific use, and should continue to be managed for that
use.
Boise, a private corporation, owns a large portion of the private timber property in Valley
County. Recently, Boise has sold several parcels of timberland for real estate development.
This trend is likely to continue in the future as the demand for housing intensifies.
From the County's Comprehensive Plan, the following goals are enumerated:
Natural Resources Goal Ng III
To maintain sustainable commercial harvesting and use of renewable timber land
resources.
Natural Resources Forest Objective:
Take an active role in the revision of the National Forests' plans to improve forest health.
Natural Resources Goal N9 V
To protect vegetation as a valuable resource in Valley County.
Natural Resources Forest Objective:
Promote the protection of vegetated areas in Valley County from the intrusion of invader
species plants and noxious weeds by supporting noxious weed eradication.
Implementation:
The Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan has been developed to integrate the
above stated goals and objectives, to adhere to this management philosophy, and implement,
through targeted fuels management, policy development, and educational objectives, the goals
enumerated above.
3.6.2 Monthly Climate Summaries In or Near Valley County
3.6.2.1 McCall, Idaho (105708)
Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary
Period of Record : 1/ 1/1930 to 12/31/2003
Table 3.10 Climate records for MCCall, Idaho (Valley County)
Average Max.
Temperature (F)
Average Min.
Temperature (F)
Average Total
Precipitation (in.)
Average Total
SnowFall (in.)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
30.6 35.7 41.5 50.6 61.2 69.6 80.7 80.0 70.1 57.5 40.3 31.5 54.1
11.0 13.2 18.1 26.0 33.8 39.8 44.2 41.9 35.0 28.2 21.9 14.4 27.3
3.54 2.85 2.57 2.03 2.28 2.05 0.71 0.82 1.38 2.02 3.02 3.56 26.81
37.0 25.3 18.8 5.4 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1
1.8 16.4 31.9 137.6
Average Snow 26 32 27 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 14 9
Depth (in.)
Percent of possible observations for period of record. Max. Temp.: 96.9% Min. Temp.: 97%
Precipitation: 98% Snowfall: 96.1 % Snow Depth: 92.8%
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Page 48
3.6.2.2 Cascade, Idaho (101514)
Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary
Period of Record : 8/ 1 /1948 to 12/31 /2003
Table 3.11 Climate records for Cascade, Idaho (Valley County)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Average Max.
Temperature (F)
Average Min.
Temperature (F)
Average Total
Precipitation (in.)
Average Total
SnowFall (in.)
Average Snow
Depth (in.)
29.7 35.4 42.2 51.9 62.3 70.8 81.6 80.7 70.9 57.7 40.3 30.7 54.5
10.8 13.4 18.8 26.3 33.4 39.6 44.3 42.4 34.9 27.8 21.5 13.4 27.2
2.90 2.28 2.04 1.71 1.80 1.67 0.50 0.67 1.02 1.64 2.66 3.17 22.06
25.7 17.0 11.7 3.7 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 1.3 11.7 24.7 96.6
15
17
12
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
8
5
Percent of possible observations for period of record. Max. Temp.: 99.4% Min. Temp.: 99.4%
Precipitation: 99.3% Snowfall: 99.4% Snow Depth: 98.9%
3.6.2.3 Yellow Pine, Idaho (109951)
Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary
Period of Record : 8/ 1 /1970 to 12/31 /2003
Table 3.12 Climate records for Yellow Pine, Idaho (Valley County)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Average Max. 33.2 38.6 45.0 51.7 61.3 69.8 80.0 80.1 70.1 57.8 40.2 32.5 55.0
Temperature (F)
Average Min. 9.1 11.2 18.0 23.8 30.2 35.5 39.1 37.3 30.5 24.6 18.2 9.7 23.9
Temperature (F)
Average Total
Precipitation (in.)
Average Total
SnowFall (in.)
Average Snow 21 24 19 5 0 0
Depth (in.)
3.26 2.69 2.45 2.03 1.97 1.94 1.08 1.03 1.59 1.77 3.45 3.66 26.94
24.4 18.3 11.4 6.0 1.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.1
2.3 15.7 25.9 105.1
0 0 0 0
3
12
7
Percent of possible observations for period of record. Max. Temp.: 90.8% Min. Temp.: 90.4%
Precipitation: 90.9% Snowfall: 92.9% Snow Depth: 91.6%
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 49
3.6.2.4 Deadwood Dam, Idaho (102385)
Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary
Period of Record : 12/6/1929 to 6/30/1975
Table 3.13 Climate records for Deadwood Dam, Idaho (Valley County)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Average Max. 29.8 37.0 42.4 51.4 62.5 70.5 82.5 81.8 72.0 59.3 41.3 31.3 55.1
Temperature (F)
Average Min. 4.7 8.4 11.8 21.1 28.5 35.0 38.8 36.8 31.1 25.6 17.8 9.2 22.4
Temperature (F)
Average Total 5.23 3.93 3.43 1.97 1.89 1.98 0.56 0.69 1.04 2.29 3.74 5.52 32.26
Precipitation lin. )
Average Total 49.8 33.2 25.0 8.1 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 3.8 21.6 43.7 186.5
SnowFall (in.)
Average Snow 37 46 45 24 2 0
Depth (in.)
0
0
0
0
5
19
15
Percent of possible observations for period of record. Max. Temp.: 98.8% Min. Temp.: 98.6%
Precipitation: 99.2% Snowfall: 98.2% Snow Depth: 95.4%
3.7 Wildfire Hazard Profiles
3.7.1 Wildfire Ignition Profile
Fire was once an integral function of the majority of ecosystems in Idaho. The seasonal cycling
of fire across the landscape was as regular as the July, August and September lightning storms
plying across the canyons and mountains. Depending on the plant community composition,
structural configuration, and buildup of plant biomass, fire resulted from ignitions with varying
intensities and extent across the landscape. Shorter return intervals between fire events often
resulted in less dramatic changes in plant composition (Johnson 1998). The fires burned from 1
to 47 years apart, with most at 5- to 20-year intervals (Barrett 1979). With infrequent return
intervals, plant communities tended to burn more severely and be replaced by vegetation
different in composition, structure, and age (Johnson et al. 1994). Native plant communities in
this region developed under the influence of fire, and adaptations to fire are evident at the
species, community, and ecosystem levels. Fire history data (from fire scars and charcoal
deposits) suggest fire has played an important role in shaping the vegetation in the Columbia
Basin for thousands of years (Steele et al. 1986, Agee 1993).
Detailed records of fire ignition and extent have been compiled by the USDA Forest Service,
Payette and Boise National Forests and are available in GIS shape file format. The Idaho
Department of Lands also keeps very detailed records of fire ignitions dating back to 1983;
however, this database has not been recorded in a GIS format. Both sources contain very
pertinent information, but, unfortunately, the two cannot be considered collectively. Using the
databases independently, past fire extents, fire ignition data, and the occurrence of wildland
fires in the region of Valley County has been evaluated.
In the Appendix (Table IV.1) is a summary of fire ignitions within the Valley County wildland-
urban interface as recorded by the Idaho Department of Lands for the period 1983-2002. This
database contains the most accurate information regarding fire ignitions in the Valley County
wildland-urban interface, but may not accurately represent Valley County as a whole. As this
table indicates, many fires have burned in the Valley County wildland-urban interface. Figures
Valley County WU/ Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 50
3.1 & 3.2 summarize fire ignitions and acres burned by 5-year periods (1983-2002). There were
approximately 848 recorded fire ignitions during this 20 year period by the IDL, with the highest
number of total ignitions occurring over the two 5-year periods (1988-1992 and 1993-1997),
Figure 3.1. Concurrently, the total acres burned during the period 1988-1992 also peaked with
5,338 acres burned (Figure 3.2).
The average number of acres burned each year since 1983 has been approximately 8.8 acres,
with the largest fire at 2,700 acres (Needles Fire-1989). The average amount spent on fire
suppression during this same period is $5,132.
Figure 3.1. Valley County Wildfire Ignition Profile.
Number of Fire Ignitions
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
Number of Fire Ignitions
1983-87
1984-87
_ignition Profile:._V..a....l..ley_County--I D L
1988-92 1993-97
5-Year Periods
Ignition Profile: Valley County--USFS
1988-92
1993-97
1998-2002
❑ Misc.
Human
■ Lightning
1998-2003
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Page 51
Figure 3.2. Valley County Wildfire Extent Profile
Acres Burned
Acres Burned
6,000
5,000
4,000 3,000-
///.
2,000
1,000
200,000-'
180,000
160,000
140,000
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
1983-87
1984-87
Acres Burned In Valley County--IDL
1988-92 1993-97
5-Year Periods
Acres Burned In Valley County--USFS
1988-92
1993-97
1998-2002
1998-2003
Table 3.14. Number of wildfire ignitions (prof le) 1993-2003
1983-1987
1988-1992
1993-1997
1998-2002
IDL
USFS"
IDL
USFS
IDL
USFS
IDL
USFS**
Lightning Ignition
96
163
147
362
163
205
106
225
Human Ignition
56
7
79
1
68
11
69
12
Miscellaneous Ignition
32
1
16
2
9
1
7
2
Total Acres Burned
120.9
14837.8
5,338.60
48385
1889.8
77320.4
135.9
189294.6
*USFS data begins 1984
**USFS data includes 2003
Valley County WU/ Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Page 52
Since 1983, the IDL data shows that roughly 60% of all fires in the County have been ignited by
nature, while the remaining 40%, on average have been human caused (including
miscellaneous causes — 8%). The USFS data shows that roughly 95% of all fires in the County
have been ignited by nature, while the remaining 5%, on average have been human caused
(including miscellaneous causes). The data would seem to indicate that the total number of
ignitions in Valley County has been relatively constant approximately between 180 and 240
ignitions each 5-year period (between 40 and 44 each year on average, except 1998 where the
USFS recorded 73 ignitions) . Table 3.15 summarize ignition causes and extent as recorded in
the Idaho Department of Lands database (roughly equivalent to a representation of ignitions in
the Wildland-Urban Interface).
Table 3.15. Number of Fires by Cause and year in Valley County as recorded by the Idaho Department of
Lands.
YEAR
1983 .. _......_._._._ 13 _..__...............1
1984 12
1985 21
1986 42
1987 8
1988 7
1989 50 4.
1990 38 2
1991.............. _26 __...._._......__ .1.0
1992 26 6
1993 25
1994 38
1995 50
1996 13
1997.............._...._....37.
1998 27
1999 7 8
2000 13 1
2001 21 8
2002 38 4
Totals 512 92
rn
E.
L
J
L
a
E
N
U
10
4
1
c
Y
O
E
c > >
` � ao o
m
m rn
E eta aa) `—a
o •- 2 o 0 Total
0 Q W a) w V m Acres
Burned
1 2 3.5
2 3 2.2
10 20.2
6 69.6
2 1 2
1 1 1
6 _...1.
4 3 2
1 7 3 4
6
1
10 3 2
6 4 1 4
1 5 1
2 6 2 1
3 4 1 2
6 3
5 1
3 2 1
10 3
3 ....-1
8 1 1
3 1 2
56 71 16 25
1
1
11 _25.4
3._. 33.8
6 5138.8
46.5
3 102.1
2 1 13.4
_._..2 1794.8
2 22.1
1 3 .._.............. 12.5...._
1 47
17.8
2 92.31
1__........._?_........_................_6..........
3 9.05
2 10.75
11 64 7485.21
Data provided by the Idaho Department of Lands.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Page 53
The USDA Forest Service records fire ignitions on federal lands in Valley County. Table 3.16
summarizes ignition causes on these "Rural and Wildlands" in Valley County.
Table 3.16. Number of Fires by Cause and year in Valley County, on USDA Forest Service Lands.
C N co3
v•i ++ .n^.. pp
3 C C
C C m E m c at
a c a o a 2 -a °�- ' Total
a▪ ) R E m^ 5 Cr a^ CO 1E H^ Acres
YEAR n v N o a w m W U el Burned
1984...__._._..__. 18___.._..__......_......_�._ ............_-----._ _.._..._ ......_...___ ......_.....__....__ __..........._.1_ �.._..._..
1985 25 12165.7
1986 59 1 1 2 1 1049.5
_ .... __...._ _ _ ....._ .. _ ...... _ _ ..._ _ _..
1987 55 2 6 1620.9
1988 24 1 3 17277.5
_..___ .�..._ ..___. ___.......__..__._... _......�._... ._.._ __..._._.
1989 153 4 16300.2
1990 66 3 3858.0
1991 51 1 3 1 1 8826.7
1992 50 3 1 2122.6
1993... ...........1$.._ _._ .... ......._ _._... _._...�..... 3..5 __..... .
1994 86 1 4 76177.0
1995 43 2 494.0
1996 39 3
1997 -19
1998 46
1999 _._..35
2000 _......_27
2001 27 2.
2002 58 3
2003 32
Total 931 2 6 42
Data provided by the USFS
1
4
2
606.9
39.0
1 113.3
1795.9
174686.8
1 2773.5
124.2
9800.9
5 329837.8
3.7.2 Wildfire Extent Profile
Across the west, wildfires have been increasing in extent and cost of control. The National
Interagency Fire Center (2003) reports nearly 88,500 wildfires in 2002 burned a total of nearly 7
million acres and cost $1.6 billion (Table 3.17). By most informed accounts, the 2003 totals will
be significantly higher in terms of acres burned and cost.
Table 3.17. National Fire Season 2002 Summary
Number of Fires (2002 final) _ _ 88,458
10-year.Ave ragei1992-2001)_ _ _ _ 103,112
.................
Acres Burned (2002 final) __.___...._._...._...._._..........__._....._._..__.._*.6,937,584
10- ear Average (1992-20011 4,215,089
Structures Burned (835 primary residences, 46 2,381
Commercial buildings, 1500 outbuildings)
Estimated Cost of Fire Suppression $ 1.6 billion
(Federal agencies only)
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 54
" T h i s f i g u r e d i f f e r s f r o m t h e 7 , 1 8 4 , 7 1 2 a c r e s b u r n e d e s t i m a t e p r o v i d e d b y t h e N a t i o n a l I n t e r a g e n c y
C o o r d i n a t i o n C e n t e r ( N / C C ) . T h e M C C e s t i m a t e i s b a s e d o n i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a i n e d i n g e o g r a p h i c
a r e a a n d i n c i d e n t s i t u a t i o n r e p o r t s p r e p a r e d a t t h e t i m e f i r e s o c c u r r e d . T h e 6 , 9 3 7 , 5 8 4 e s t i m a t e i s
b a s e d o n a g e n c y e n d - o f - y e a r r e p o r t s .
T h e N a t i o n a l I n t e r a g e n c y F i r e C e n t e r , l o c a t e d i n B o i s e , I d a h o , m a i n t a i n s r e c o r d s o f f i r e c o s t s ,
e x t e n t , a n d r e l a t e d d a t a f o r t h e e n t i r e n a t i o n . T a b l e s 3 . 1 8 a n d 3 . 1 9 s u m m a r i z e s o m e o f t h e
r e l e v a n t w i l d l a n d f i r e d a t a f o r t h e n a t i o n , a n d s o m e t r e n d s t h a t a r e l i k e l y t o c o n t i n u e i n t o t h e
f u t u r e u n l e s s t a r g e t e d f i r e m i t i g a t i o n e f f o r t s a r e i m p l e m e n t e d a n d m a i n t a i n e d i n a r e a s l i k e V a l l e y
C o u n t y .
T a b l e 3 . 1 8 . T o t a l F i r e s a n d A c r e s 1 9 6 0 - 2 0 0 2 N a t i o n a l l y
T h e s e f i g u r e s a r e b a s e d o n e n d - o f - y e a r r e p o r t s c o m p i l e d b y a l l w i l d l a n d f i r e a g e n c i e s a f t e r e a c h f i r e s e a s o n , a n d a r e
u p d a t e d b y M a r c h o f e a c h y e a r . T h e a g e n c i e s i n c l u d e : B u r e a u o f L a n d M a n a g e m e n t , B u r e a u o f I n d i a n A f f a i r s , N a t i o n a l
P a r k S e r v i c e , U S F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e S e r v i c e , U S D A F o r e s t S e r v i c e a n d a l l S t a t e L a n d s .
Y
2 0 0 2 1
2 0 0 1 I
2 0 0 0 '
1 9 9 9 �
1 9 9 8
1 9 9 7
1 9 9 6
1 9 9 5
8 8 , 4 5 8
8 4 , 0 7 9
1 2 2 , 8 2 7
9 3 , 7 0 2
8 1 , 0 4 3 I
8 9 , 5 1 7
1 1 5 , 0 2 5
1 3 0 , 0 1 9
1 9 9 4 1 1 4 , 0 4 9
1 9 9 3 9 7 , 0 3 1 ;
A
* 6 , 9 3 7 , 5 8 4
3 , 5 5 5 , 1 3 8
8 , 4 2 2 2 3 7 "
5 , 6 6 1 , 9 7 6
2 , 3 2 9 , 7 0 9
3 , 6 7 2 , 6 1 6
6 , 7 0 1 , 3 9 0
2 , 3 1 5 7 3 0
4 , 7 2 4 , 0 1 4 1
2 , 3 1 0 , 4 2 0
1 9 9 2 I 1 0 3 , 8 3 0 I 2 , 4 5 7 , 6 6 5
1 9 9 1 1 1 6 , 9 5 3 ; 2 , 2 3 7 , 7 1 4
1 9 9 0 I 1 2 2 , 7 6 3 I 5 , 4 5 2 , 8 7 4 ' I
1 9 8 9 I 1 2 1 , 7 1 4 3 , 2 6 1 , 7 3 2
1 5 4 , 5 7 3 1 7 , 3 9 8 , 8 8 9
1 4 3 , 8 7 7 J 4 , 1 5 2 , 5 7 5 ��`
1 9 8 6 I 1 3 9 , 9 8 0 1 3 , 3 0 8 , 1 3 3
1 9 8 5 I 1 3 3 , 8 4 0 ' 4 , 4 3 4 , 7 4 8
1 9 8 4 1 1 1 8 , 6 3 6 ` 2 , 2 6 6 , 1 3 4
1 9 8 3 1 1 6 1 , 6 4 9 F 5 , 0 8 0 , 5 5 3
1 9 8 8 I
1 9 8 7
1 9 8 2 1 7 4 , 7 5 5 2 , 3 8 2 , 0 3 6
1 9 8 1 2 4 9 , 3 7 0 ? 4 , 8 1 4 , 2 0 6 l
Y e t i
1 9 8 0
1 9 7 9
1 9 7 8 '
1 9 7 7 I
1 9 7 6
1 9 7 5
1 9 7 4
1 9 7 3
1 9 7 2
1 9 7 1
1 9 7 0 =
1 9 6 9 =
1 9 6 8
1 9 6 7
1 9 6 6 ? z
1 9 6 5 '
1 9 6 4
1 9 6 3
1 9 6 2
1 9 6 1
1 9 6 0 ;
1 s i r e s
1 6 3 , 1 9 6 2 , 9 8 6 , 8 2 6 s
2 1 8 8 4 2 , 3 9 1 0 9 1 3
1 7 3 , 9 9 8 1
2 4 1 , 6 9 9
1 3 4 , 8 7 2
1 4 5 , 8 6 8
1 1 7 , 9 5 7 1
1 2 4 , 5 5 4
1 0 8 , 3 9 8
1 2 1 , 7 3 6
1 1 3 , 3 5 1
1 2 5 , 3 7 1
1 2 5 , 0 2 5
1 2 2 , 5 0 0
1 1 3 , 6 8 4
1 1 6 , 3 5 8
1 6 4 , 1 8 3
1 1 5 , 3 4 5
9 8 , 5 1 7
1 0 3 , 3 8 7
3 , 1 5 2 6 4 4
5 , 1 0 9 9 2 6
1 , 7 9 1 , 3 2 7
2 , 8 7 9 , 0 9 5
1 , 9 1 5 , 2 7 3 1
2 , 6 4 1 , 1 6 6 1
4 , 2 7 8 , 4 7 2
3 , 2 7 8 , 5 6 5
6 , 6 8 9 , 0 8 1
4 , 2 3 1 9 9 6
4 , 6 5 8 , 5 8 6
4 , 5 7 4 , , 3 8 1 1
2 , 6 5 2 , 1 1 2 1
4 , 1 9 7 , 3 0 9
7 , 1 2 0 , 7 6 8
4 , 0 7 8 , 8 9 4
3 , 0 3 6 , 2 1 9
4 , 4 7 8 , 1 8 8 1
( N a t i o n a l I n t e r a g e n c y F i r e C e n t e r 2 0 0 3 )
V a l l e y C o u n t y W U I W i l d f i r e M i t i g a t i o n P l a n
P a g e 5 5
Table 3.19. Suppression Costs for Federal Agencies Nationally
1994 $98,417,000
1995 $56,600,000
1996
1997
s
1998
1999
e
2000
2001
2002
ilid!'f
arvtce
National Park
Service
$49,202,000 $3,281,000 1 $16,362,000
$36,219,000
$96,854,000 $40,779,000
$62,470,000
$63,177 000
3
$85,724,000
$180,567,000
$192,115,00
$30,916,000 i
$27,366,000
$1,675,000 ? $21,256,000
$2,600 $19,832,000
$2,000
$3,800,000 '.
$42,183,000 I $4,500,000
$93,042,000
$6,844,000
DA For
Service
$678,000,000
$224,300,000
$521 700,000 T
$155,768,000
_ m...
$19,183,000 $215 000 000
$30,061,000
$9,417,000 $53,341,000
$63,200,000 $7,160,000 ! $48,092,000
$204,666,000 $109,035,000 $15,245,000 $66,094,000
$361, 000, 000
$1,026,000,000
$607,233,000
$1, 266,274, 000
$845,262,000
$340,050,000
$679,167,600 .t
$256,000,000 3
$328,526,000
$523,468,000
$1,362,367,000
$917,800,000
$1,661,314,000
(National Interagency Fire Center 2003)
Although many very large fires, growing to over 250,000 acres have burned in the Idaho
Panhandle, which Valley County is a part, actual fires in this county have usually been
controlled at much smaller extents. This is not to imply that wildfires are not a concern in this
county, but to point to the aggressive and professional manner to which the wildland and rural
fire districts cooperate in controlling these blazes. The Southern Idaho Timber Protective
Association provides primary wildfire protection in the western areas of the County where the
population centers are located. The Payette National Forest and the Boise National Forest both
provide primary wildfire response in the areas of their forests. Four rural and city fire districts
augment these services with home protection and related services.
The USFS (Payette and Boise National Forests) have summarized past large fire events that
have burned in Valley County. The data is provided in map format in Appendix I. This data
includes information on over 1,500 "large" fires, in addition to the fires summarized in Appendix
IV. Data indicates that over 1.2 million acres have burned from 1948-2000, with an average fire
size of approximately 800 acres (of those fires that exceeded 100 acres). This data is available
for the interested reader by contacting the USFS offices in Valley County.
3.8 Analysis Tools and Techniques to Assess Fire Risk
Valley County and the adjacent counties of Adams, Gem, Washington, Payette, and Boise,
were analyzed using a variety of techniques, managed on a GIS system (ArcGIS 8.2). Physical
features of the region were represented by data layers including roads, streams, soils, elevation,
and remotely sensed images from the Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite. Field visits were conducted by
specialists from Northwest Management, Inc., and others. Discussions with area residents and
fire control specialists augmented field visits and provided insights to forest health issues and
treatment options.
This information was analyzed and combined to develop an assessment of wildland fire risk in
the region.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 56
3.8.1 Fire Prone Landscapes
Schlosser et al. 2002, developed a methodology to assess the location of fire prone landscapes
on forested and non -forested ecosystems in the western US. Working under an agreement with
the Clearwater Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., (RC&D), Northwest
Management, Inc., a natural resources consulting firm, completed a similar assessment for five
counties in the north central Idaho area including Clearwater County, Idaho County, Latah
County, Lewis County, and Nez Perce County. In a separate project, also funded by the Bureau
of Land Management working in cooperation with Elmore, Ada, Canyon, and Owyhee Counties,
through the Southwestern RC&D Area, Northwest Management, Inc., completed a Fire Prone
Landscapes assessments on those listed areas.
The goal of developing the Fire Prone Landscapes analysis is to make inferences about the
relative risk factors across large geographical regions (multiple counties) for wildfire spread.
This analysis uses the extent and occurrence of past fires as an indicator of characteristics for a
specific area and their propensity to burn in the future. Concisely, if a certain combination of
vegetation cover type, canopy closure, aspect, slope, stream and road density have burned with
a high occurrence and frequently in the past, then it is reasonable to extrapolate that they will
have the same tendency in the future, unless mitigation activities are conducted to reduce this
potential.
The analysis for determining those landscapes prone to wildfire utilized a variety of sources.
Digital Elevation: Digital elevation models (DEM) for the project used USGS 10 meter DEM
data provided at quarter -quadrangle extents. These were merged together to create a
continuous elevation model of the analysis area.
The merged DEM file was used to create two derivative data layers; aspect and slope. Both
were created using the spatial analyst extension in ArcGIS 8.2. Aspect data values retained one
decimal point accuracy representing the cardinal direction of direct solar radiation, represented
in degrees. Slope was recorded in percent and also retained one decimal point accuracy.
Remotely Sensed Images: Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) images were used
to assess plant cover information and percent of canopy cover. The Landsat ETM+ instrument
is an eight -band multi -spectral scanning radiometer capable of providing high -resolution image
information of the Earth's surface. It detects spectrally -filtered radiation at visible, near -infrared,
short -wave, and thermal infrared frequency bands from the sun -lit Earth. Nominal ground
sample distances or "pixel" sizes are 15 meters in the panchromatic band; 30 meters in the 6
visible, near and short -wave infrared bands; and 60 meters in the thermal infrared band.
The satellite orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 705 kilometers with a sun -
synchronous 98-degree inclination and a descending equatorial crossing time of 10 a.m. daily.
Image spectrometry has great application for monitoring vegetation and biophysical
characteristics. Vegetation reflectance often contains information on the vegetation chlorophyll
absorption bands in the visible region and the near infrared region. Plant water absorption is
easily identified in the middle infrared bands. In addition, exposed soil, rock, and non -vegetative
surfaces are easily separated from vegetation through standard hyper -spectral analysis
procedures.
Two Landsat 7 ETM images were obtained to conduct hyper -spectral analysis for this project.
The first was obtained in 1998 and the second in 2002. Hyper -spectral analysis procedures
followed the conventions used by the Idaho Vegetation and Land Cover Classification System,
modified from Redmond (1997) and Homer (1998).
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 57
Riparian Zones: Riparian zones were derived from stream layers created during the Interior
Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project (Quigley et al. 2001).
Wind Direction: Wind direction and speed data detailed by monthly averages was used in this
project to better ascertain certain fire behavior characteristics common to large fire events.
These data are spatially gridded Average Monthly Wind Directions in Idaho. The coverage was
created from data summarized from the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management
Project (Quigley et al. 2001).
Past Fires: Past fire extents represent those locations on the landscape that have previously
burned during a wildfire. Past fire extent maps were obtained from a variety of sources for the
central Idaho area including the USFS Boise National Forest, USFS Payette National Forest,
and the Idaho Department of Lands.
Fire Prone Landscapes: Using the methodology developed by Schlosser et al. (2002), and
refined for this project, the factors detailed above were used to assess the potential for the
landscape to burn during the fire season in the case of fire ignition. Specifically, the entire region
was evaluated at a resolution of 10 meters (meaning each pixel on the screen represented a 10
meter square on the ground) to determine the propensity for a particular area (pixel) to burn in
the case of a wildfire. The analysis involved creating a linear regression analysis within the GIS
program structure to assign a value to each significant variable, pixel -by -pixel. The analysis
ranked factors from 0 (little to no risk) to 100 (extremely high risk) based on past fire
occurrence. In fact, the maximum rating score for Valley County was 100 with a low of 7.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 58
Fire Prone Landscapes
0 5 10 20 30 Miles
Map scale may distort during printing,
Use this reletive scale bar for absolute reference.
Wildland-Urban Interface
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Valley County, Idaho
Legend
• Structures
* Cities
— Roads
® County Border
Open Water
High
Fire Prone Landscapes
Low
This map is presented for reference in this section of the plan. This map, and additional maps are
detailed in Appendix L
The maps depicting these risk categories display yellow as the lowest risk and red as the
highest with values between a constant gradient from yellow to orange to red (Table 3.20).
While large maps (16 square feet) have been provided as part of this analysis, smaller size
maps are presented in Appendix I.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 59
Table 3.20. Fire Prone Landscape rankings and associated
acres in each category for Valley County.
Color
Code Value
Total
Percent of Total
Area
0
10
20
30
40
�50
60
70_
80
90
....___._.
100
14
.._.............._.._...._...
44,444
89,330
492,282
763,634
627,709
118,037
113,938
20,907
...........................
2
0%
0%
2%
4%
22%
34%
28%
5 /o
5%
1%
.......................
0%
Figure 3.3: Distribution of area by Fire Prone Landscape Class in Valley County.
800,000 --"r
700,000
600,000
500,000
400,000
i
300,000 -7'
i
200,000 11
100,000
Fire Prone Landscapes
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Ranking Scale (0-100)
70
80
The risk category values developed in this analysis should be considered
while the values presented have a meaningful ranking, they neither have
scale between numbers. Rating in the "40" range is not necessarily twice
the "20" range. These category values also do not correspond to a rate
loading indicator, or measurable potential fire intensity. Each of tho
90
100
ordinal data, that is,
a true zero point nor
as "risky" as rating in
of fire spread, a fuel
se scales is greatly
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan
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influenced by weather, seasonal and daily variations in moisture (relative humidity), solar
radiation, and other factors. The risk rating presented here serves to identify where certain
constant variables are present, aiding in identifying where fires typically spread into the largest
fires across the landscape.
3.8.2 Fire Regime Condition Class
The US Forest Service has provided their assessment of Fire Regime Condition Class for the
forested areas of Valley County to this WUI Fire Mitigation Plan analysis. These measures of
forest conditions are the standard method of analysis for the USDA Forest Service.
A natural fire regime is a general classification of the role fire would play across a landscape in
the absence of modern human mechanical intervention, but including the influence of aboriginal
burning (Agee 1993, Brown 1995). Coarse scale definitions for natural (historical) fire regimes
have been developed by Hardy et al. (2001) and Schmidt et al. (2002) and interpreted for fire
and fuels management by Hann and Bunnell (2001). The five natural (historical) fire regimes are
classified based on average number of years between fires (fire frequency) combined with the
severity (amount of replacement) of the fire on the dominant overstory vegetation. These five
regimes include:
I — 0-35 year frequency and low (surface fires most common) to mixed severity (less
than 75% of the dominant overstory vegetation replaced);
II — 0-35 year frequency and high (stand replacement) severity (greater than 75% of the
dominant overstory vegetation replaced);
III — 35-100+ year frequency and mixed severity (less than 75% of the dominant
overstory vegetation replaced);
IV — 35-100+ year frequency and high (stand replacement) severity (greater than 75% of
the dominant overstory vegetation replaced);
V — 200+ year frequency and high (stand replacement) severity.
As scale of application becomes finer these five classes may be defined with more detail, or any
one class may be split into finer classes, but the hierarchy to the coarse scale definitions should
be retained.
A fire regime condition class (FRCC) is a classification of the amount of departure from the
natural regime (Hann and Bunnell 2001). Coarse -scale FRCC classes have been defined and
mapped by Hardy et al. (2001) and Schmidt et al. (2001) (FRCC). They include three condition
classes for each fire regime. The classification is based on a relative measure describing the
degree of departure from the historical natural fire regime. This departure results in changes to
one (or more) of the following ecological components: vegetation characteristics (species
composition, structural stages, stand age, canopy closure, and mosaic pattern); fuel
composition; fire frequency, severity, and pattern; and other associated disturbances (e.g. insect
and diseased mortality, grazing, and drought). There are no wildland vegetation and fuel
conditions or wildland fire situations that do not fit within one of the three classes.
The three classes are based on low (FRCC 1), moderate (FRCC 2), and high (FRCC 3)
departure from the central tendency of the natural (historical) regime (Hann and Bunnell 2001,
Hardy et al. 2001, Schmidt et al. 2002). The central tendency is a composite estimate of
vegetation characteristics (species composition, structural stages, stand age, canopy closure,
and mosaic pattern); fuel composition; fire frequency, severity, and pattern; and other
associated natural disturbances. Low departure is considered to be within the natural (historical)
range of variability, while moderate and high departures are outside.
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Characteristic vegetation and fuel conditions are considered to be those that occurred within the
natural (historical) fire regime. Uncharacteristic conditions are considered to be those that did
not occur within the natural (historical) fire regime, such as invasive species (e.g. weeds,
insects, and diseases), "high graded" forest composition and structure (e.g. large trees removed
in a frequent surface fire regime), or repeated annual grazing that maintains grassy fuels across
relatively large areas at levels that will not carry a surface fire. Determination of the amount of
departure is based on comparison of a composite measure of fire regime attributes (vegetation
characteristics; fuel composition; fire frequency, severity and pattern) to the central tendency of
the natural (historical) fire regime. The amount of departure is then classified to determine the
fire regime condition class. A simplified description of the fire regime condition classes and
associated potential risks are presented in Table 3.21. Maps depicting Fire Regime and
Condition Class are presented in Appendix I.
Table 3.21. Fire Regime Condition Class Definitions.
Fire Regime
Condition Class
Condition Class 1
Condition Class 2
Condition Class 3
Description
Within the natural (historical)
range of variability of vegetation
characteristics; fuel
composition; fire frequency,
severity and pattern; and other
associated disturbances.
Moderate departure from the
natural (historical) regime of
vegetation characteristics; fuel
composition; fire frequency,
severity and pattern; and other
associated disturbances.
High departure from the natural
(historical) regime of vegetation
characteristics; fuel
composition; fire frequency,
severity and pattern; and other
associated disturbances.
Potential Risks
Fire behavior, effects, and other associated
disturbances are similar to those that occurred
prior to fire exclusion (suppression) and other
types of management that do not mimic the
natural fire regime and associated vegetation
and fuel characteristics.
Composition and structure of vegetation and
fuels are similar to the natural (historical)
regime.
Risk of loss of key ecosystem components
(e.g. native species, large trees, and soil) is
low.
Fire behavior, effects, and other associated
disturbances are moderately departed (more
or less severe).
Composition and structure of vegetation and
fuel are moderately altered.
Uncharacteristic conditions range from low to
moderate.
Risk of loss of key ecosystem components is
moderate.
Fire behavior, effects, and other associated
disturbances are highly departed (more or
less severe).
Composition and structure of vegetation and
fuel are highly altered.
Uncharacteristic conditions range from
moderate to high.
Risk of loss of key ecosystem components is
high.
An analysis of Fire Regime Condition Class in Valley County shows that approximately 45% of
the County is in Condition Class 1 (low departure), just about 33% is in Condition Class 2
(moderate departure), with 19% in Condition Class 3 (Table 3.22).
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 62
Table 3.22. FRCC by area in Valley County.
Percent of
Condition Class Acres Area
1 .................................low departure...__.........
2 moderate departure
3 high departure
4 agriculture
5 rock/barren
1085,757 45%
779,531 33%
459,595 19%
24,449 1 %
7 urban 2,.1.66......_............._.__._.................__0%..._.
8 water 33,946 1%
See Appendix I for maps of Historic Fire Regime, Fire Regime Conditions Class, and Current Fire Severity.
3.8.3 Current Fire Severity
Current fire severity (CFS) is an estimate of the relative fire severity if a fire were to burn a site
under its current state of vegetation. In other words, how much of the overstory would be
removed if a fire were to burn today. The US Forest Service (Flathead National Forest) did not
attempt to model absolute values of fire severity, as there are too many variables that influence
fire effects at any given time (for example, temperature, humidity, fuel moisture, slope, wind
speed, wind direction).
The characterization of likely fire severity was based upon historic fire regimes, potential natural
vegetation, cover type, size class, and canopy cover with respect to slope and aspect. Each
cover type was assigned a qualitative rating of fire tolerance based upon likely species
composition and the relative resistance of each species to fire. The US Forest Service
researchers defined 3 broad classes of fire tolerance: high tolerance (<20 percent post -fire
mortality); moderate tolerance (20 to 80 percent mortality); and low tolerance (>80 percent
mortality). We would expect that fires would be less severe within cover types comprised by
species that have a high tolerance to fire (for example, western larch and ponderosa pine).
Conversely, fires would likely burn more severely within cover types comprised by species
having a low tolerance to fire (for example grand fir, subalpine fir). Data assignments were
based upon our collective experience in the field, as well as stand structure characteristics
reported in the fire -history literature. For example, if they estimated that a fire would remove less
than 20 percent of the overstory, the current fire severity would be assigned to the non -lethal
class (that is, NL). However, if they expected fire to remove more than 80 percent of the
overstory, the current fire severity was assigned to a stand replacement class (that is, SR or
SR3).
3.8.3.1 Purpose
Fire is a dominant disturbance process in the Northern Rockies. The likely effect of fire upon
vegetation (i.e., current fire severity) is critical information for understanding the subsequent fire
effects upon wildlife habitats, water quality, and the timing of runoff. There have been many
reports of how fire suppression and timber harvest has affected vegetation patterns, fuels, and
fire behavior. The US Forest Service researchers from the Flathead National Forest, derived the
current fire severity theme explicitly to compare with the historical fire regime theme to evaluate
how fire severity has changed since Euro-American settlement (that is, to derive fire -regime
condition class).
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 63
3.8.3.2 General Limitations
These data were designed to characterize broad scale patterns of estimated fire severity for use
in regional and subregional assessments. Any decisions based on these data should be
supported with field verification, especially at scales finer than 1:100,000. Although the
resolution of the CFS theme is 90 meter cell size, the expected accuracy does not warrant their
use for analyses of areas smaller than about 10,000 acres (for example, assessments that
typically require 1:24,000 data).
Current fire severity rule -set was developed for an "average burn day" for the specific vegetation
types in our area. Any user of these data should familiarize themselves with the rule sets to
better understand our estimate of current fire severity.
Table 3.23. Predicted Fire Severity by area in Valley County.
Percent of
Predicted Fire Severity Acres Area
1 _ Non -lethal 79,910 3%
2 Mixed severity, short interval 57,895 2%
3 Mixed seventy lon_g_mterval 739,582 31 /o
4 Mixed severity, variable interval 70,034 3%
5 Stand replacement, forest 1,153,986 48%
Stand replacement, non -forest,
6 short return interval 136,242 6%
Mixed severity, non -forest,
7 moderate return interval 77,266 3%
8
Stand Replacement, non -forest,
moderate return interval
10 Agriculture
11
Rock / barren
13 Urban
14 WV yW Water
9,968 0%
24,449 1 %
1,751 0%
2,166 0/o
0
33,946 1 %
See Appendix I for a map of Current (Predicted) Fire Severity.
3.8.4 On -Site Evaluations
Fire control and evaluation specialists as well as hazard mitigation consultants evaluated the
communities of Valley County to determine, first-hand, the extent of risk and characteristics of
hazardous fuels in the Wildland-Urban Interface. The on -site evaluations have been
summarized in written narratives and are accompanied by photographs taken during the site
visits (Appendix V). These evaluations included the estimation of fuel models as established by
Anderson (1982). These fuel models are described in the following section of this document.
In addition, field personnel completed FEMA's Fire Hazard Severity Forms and Fire Hazard
Rating Criteria Worksheets. These worksheets and standardized rating criteria allow
comparisons to be made between all of the counties in the country using the same benchmarks.
The FEMA rating forms are summarized for each community in Appendix II.
3.8.5 Fuel Model Descriptions
Anderson (1982) developed a categorical guide for determining fuel models to facilitate the
linkage between fuels and fire behavior. These 13 fuel models, grouped into 4 basic groups:
grass, chaparral and shrub, timber, and slash, provide the basis for communicating fuel
Valley County WU/ Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 64
conditions and evaluating fire risk. There are a number of ways to estimate fuel models in forest
and rangeland conditions. The field personnel from Northwest Management, Inc., that evaluated
communities and other areas of Valley County have all been intricately involved in wildland fire
fighting and the incident command system. They made ocular estimates of fuel models they
observed. In an intense evaluation, actual sampling would have been employed to determine
fuel models and fuel loading. The estimations presented in this document (Chapter 3) are
estimates based on observations to better understand the conditions observed.
Fuel Model 0- This type consists of non-flammable sites, such as exposed mineral soil and rock
outcrops. Other lands are also identified in this type.
3.8.5.1 Grass Group
3.8.5.1.1 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 1
Fire spread is governed by the fine, very porous, and continuous herbaceous fuels that have
cured or are nearly cured. Fires are surface fires that move rapidly through the cured grass and
associated material. Very little shrub or timber is present, generally less than one-third of the
area.
Grasslands and savanna are represented along with stubble, grass -tundra, and grass -shrub
combinations that met the above area constraint. Annual and perennial grasses are included in
this fuel model.
This fuel model correlates to 1978 NFDRS fuel models A, L, and S.
Fuel model values for estimating fire behavior
Total fuel load, < 3-inch dead and alive, tons/acre 0.74
Dead fuel load, %-inch, tons/acre 0.74
Live fuel load, foliage, tons/acre 0
Fuel bed depth, feet 1.0
3.8.5.1.2 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 2
Fire is spread primarily through the fine herbaceous fuels, either curing or dead. These are
surface fires where the herbaceous material, in addition to litter and dead -down stemwood from
the open shrub or timber overstory, contribute to the fire intensity. Open shrub lands and pine
stands or scrub oak stands that cover one-third to two-thirds of the area may generally fit this
model; such stands may include clumps of fuels that generate higher intensities an that may
produce firebrands. Some pinyon -juniper may be in this model.
This fuel model correlates to 1978 NFDRS fuel models C and T.
Fuel model values for estimating fire behavior
Total fuel load, < 3-inch dead and alive, tons/acre 4.0
Dead fuel load, %-inch, tons/acre 2.0
Live fuel load, foliage, tons/acre 0.5
Fuel bed depth, feet 1.0
3.8.5.1.3 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 3
Fires in this fuel are the most intense of the grass group and display high rates of spread under
the influence of wind. Wind may drive fire into the upper heights of the grass and across
Valley County WU/ Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 65
standing water. Stands are tall, averaging about 3 feet (1 m), but considerable variation may
occur. Approximately one-third or more of the stand is considered dead or cured and maintains
the fire. Wild or cultivated grains that have not been harvested can be considered similar to tall
prairie and marshland grasses.
This fuel correlates to 1978 NFDRS fuel model N.
Fuel model values for estimating fire behavior
Total fuel load, < 3-inch dead and live, tons/acre 3.0
Dead fuel load, 1/4-inch, tons/acre 3.0
Live fuel load, foliage tons/acre 0
Fuel bed depth, feet 2.5
3.8.5.2 Shrub Group
3.8.5.2.1 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 4
Fire intensity and fast -spreading fires involve the foliage and live and dead fine woody material
in the crowns of a nearly continuous secondary overstory. Stands of mature shrubs, 6 or more
feet tall, such as California mixed chaparral, the high pocosin along the east coast, the
pinebarrens of New Jersey, or the closed jack pine stands of the north -central States are typical
candidates. Besides flammable foliage, dead woody material in the stands significantly
contributes to the fire intensity. Height of stand qualifying for this model depends on local
conditions. A deep litter layer may also hamper suppression efforts.
This fuel model represents 1978 NFDRS fuel models B and O; fire behavior estimates are more
severe than obtained by Models B or O.
Fuel model values for estimating fire behavior
Total fuel load, <3-inch dead and live, tons/acre 13.0
Dead fuel load, 1/4-inch, tons/acre 5.0
Live fuel load, foliage, tons/acre 5.0
Fuel bed depth, feet 6.0
3.8.5.2.2 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 5
Fire is generally carried in the surface fuels that are made up of litter cast by the shrubs and the
grasses or forbs in the understory. The fires are generally not very intense because surface fuel
loads are light, the shrubs are young with little dead material, and the foliage contains little
volatile material. Usually shrubs are short and almost totally cover the area. Young, green
stands with no dead wood would qualify: laurel, vine maple, alder, or even chaparral,
manzanita, or chamise.
No 1978 NFDRS fuel model is represented, but model 5 can be considered as second choice
for NFDRS model D or as third choice for NFDRS model T. Young green stands may be up to 6
feet (2m ) high but have poor burning properties because of live vegetation.
Fuel model values for estimating fire behavior
Total fuel load, <3-inch dead and live, tons/acre 3.5
Dead fuel load, 1/4-inch, tons/acre 1.0
Live fuel load, foliage, tons/acre 2.0
Fuel bed depth, feet 2.0
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 66
3.8.5.2.3 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 6
Fires carry through the shrub layer where the foliage is more flammable than fuel model 5, but
this requires moderate winds, greater than 8 mi/h (13 km/h) at mid -flame height. Fire will drop to
the ground at low wind speeds or at openings in the stand. The shrubs are older, but not as tall
as shrub types of model 4, nor do they contain as much fuel as model 4. A broad range of shrub
conditions is covered by this model. Fuel situations to be considered include intermediate
stands of chamise, chaparral, oak brush, low pocosin, Alaskan spruce taiga, and shrub tundra.
Even hardwood slash that has cured can be considered. Pinyon juniper shrublands may be
represented but may over -predict rate of spread except at high winds, like 20 mi/h (32 km/h) at
the 20-foot level.
The 1978 NFDRS fuel models F and Q are represented by this fuel model. It can be considered
a second choice for models T and D and a third choice for model S.
Fuel model values for estimating fire behavior
Total fuel load, <3-inch dead and live, tons/acres 6.0
Dead fuel load, 1/4 —inch, tons/acre 1.5
Live fuel load, foliage, tons/acre 0
Fuel bed depth, feet 2.5
3.8.6.2.4 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 7
Fires burn through the surface and shrub strata with equal ease and can occur at higher dead
fuel moisture contents because of the flammability of live foliage and other live material. Stands
of shrubs are generally between 2 and 6 feet (0.6 and 1.8 m( high. Palmetto-gallberry
understory-pine overstory sites are typical and low pocosins may be represented. Black spruce -
shrub combinations in Alaska may also be represented.
This fuel model correlates with 1978 NFDRS model D and can be a second choice for model Q.
Fuel model values for estimating fire behavior
Total fuel load, <3-inch dead and live, tons/acre 4.9
Dead fuel load, 1/4-inch, tons/acre 1.1
Live fuel load, foliage, tons/acre 0.4
Fuel bed depth, feet 2.5
3.8.5.3 Timber Group
3.8.5.3.1 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 8
Slow -burning ground fires with low flame lengths are generally the case, although the fire may
encounter an occasional "jackpot" or heavy fuel concentration that can flare up. Only under
severe weather conditions involving high temperatures, low humilities, and high winds do the
fuels pose fire hazards. Closed canopy stands of short -needle conifers or hardwoods that have
leafed out support fire in the compact litter layer. This layer is mainly needles, leaves, and
occasionally twigs because little undergrowth is present in the stand. Representative conifer
types are white pine, and lodgepole pine, spruce, fire and larch
This model can be used for 1978 NFDRS fuel models H and R.
Fuel model values for estimating fire behavior
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Total fuel load, <3-inch, dead and live, tons/acre 5.0
Dead fuel load, 1/4-inch, tons/acre 1.5
Live fuel load, foliage, tons/acre 0
Fuel bed depth, feet 0.2
3.8.5.3.2 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 9
Fires run through the surface litter faster than model 8 and have longer flame height. Both long -
needle conifer stands and hardwood stands, especially the oak -hickory types, are typical. Fall
fires in hardwoods are predictable, but high winds will actually cause higher rates of spread than
predicted because of spotting caused by rolling and blowing leaves. Closed stands of long -
needled pine like ponderosa, Jeffrey, and red pines, or southern pine plantations are grouped in
this model. Concentrations of dead -down woody material will contribute to possible torching out
of trees, spotting, and crowning.
NFDRS fuel models E, P, and U are represented by this model. It is also a second choice for
models C and S.
Fuel model values for estimating fire behavior
Total fuel load, <3-inch dead and live, tons/acre 3.5
Dead fuel load, 1/4-inch, tons/acre 2.9
Live fuel load, foliage, tons/acre 0
Fuel bed depth, feet 0.2
3.8.5.3.3 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 10
The fires burn in the surface and ground fuels with greater fire intensity than the other timber
little models. Dead -down fuels include greater quantities of 3-inch (7.6 cm) or larger limbwood,
resulting from overmaturity or natural events that create a large load of dead material on the
forest floor. Crowning out, spotting, and torching of individual trees are more frequent in this fuel
situation, leading to potential fire control difficulties. Any forest type may be considered if heavy
down material is present; examples are insect- or disease -ridden stands, wind -thrown stands,
overmature situations with dead fall, and aged light thinning or partial -cut slash.
The 1978 NFDRS fuel model G is represented.
Fuel model values for estimating fire behavior
Total fuel load, < 3-inch dead and live, tons/acre 12.0
Dead fuel load, %-inch, tons/acre 3.0
Live fuel load, foliage, tons/acre 2.0
Fuel bed depth, feet 1.0
The fire intensities and spread rates of these timber litter fuel models are indicated by the
following values when the dead fuel moisture content is 8 percent, live fuel moisture is 100
percent, and the effective wind speed at mid -flame height is 5 mi/h (8 km/h):
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 68
Table 3.24. Comparative Fire Intensities and Rates of Spread in
Timber Fuel Models.
Fuel Model
Rate of Spread Flame length
Chains/hour Feet
8 1.6 1.0
9 7.5 2.6
10 7.9 4.8
Fires such as above in model 10 are at the upper limit of control by direct attack. More wind or
drier conditions could lead to an escaped fire.
3.8.5.4 Logging Slash Group
3.8.5.4.1 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 11
Fires are fairly active in the slash and herbaceous material intermixed with the slash. The
spacing of the rather light fuel load, shading from overstory, or the aging of the fine fuels can
contribute to limiting the fire potential. Light partial cuts or thinning operations in mixed conifer
stands, hardwood stands, and southern pine harvests are considered. Clearcut operations
generally produce more slash than represented here. The less-than-3-inch (7.6-cm) material
load is less than 12 tons per acre (5.4 t/ha). The greater-than-3-inch (7.6-cm) is represented by
not more than 10 pieces, 4 inches (10.2 cm) in diameter, along a 50-foot (15 m) transect.
The 1978 NFDRS fuel model K is represented by this model.
Fuel model values for estimating fire behavior
Total fuel load, < 3-inch, dead and live, tons/acre 11.5
Dead fuel load, %-inch, tons/acre 1.5
Live fuel load, foliage, tons/acre 0
Fuel bed depth, feet 1.0
3.8.5.4.2 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 12
Rapidly spreading fires with high intensities capable of generating firebrands can occur. When
fire starts, it is generally sustained until a fuel break or change in fuels is encountered. The
visual impression is dominated by slash and much of it is less than 3 inches (7.6 cm) in
diameter. The fuels total less than 35 tons per acres (15.6 t/ha) and seem well distributed.
Heavily thinned conifer stands, clearcuts, and medium or heavy partial cuts are represented.
The material larger than 3 inches (7.6 cm) is represented by encountering 11 pieces, 6 inches
(15.3 cm) in diameter, along a 50-foot (15-m) transect.
This model depicts 1978 NFDRS model J and may overrate slash areas when the needles have
dropped and the limbwood has settled. However, in areas where limbwood breakup and general
weathering have started, the fire potential can increase.
Fuel model values fore estimating fire behavior
Total fuel load, < 3-inch, dead and live, tons/acre 34.6
Dead fuel load, %-inch, tons/acre 4.0
Live fuel load, foliage, tons/acre 0
Fuel bed depth, feet 2.3
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 69
3.8.5.4.3 Fire Behavior Fuel Model 13
Fire is generally carried across the area by a continuous layer of slash. Large quantities of
material larger than 3 inches (7.6 cm) are present. Fires spread quickly through the fine fuels
and intensity builds up more slowly as the large fuels start burning. Active flaming is sustained
for long periods and a wide variety of firebrands can be generated. These contribute to spotting
problems as the weather conditions become more severe. Clearcuts and heavy partial -cuts in
mature and overmature stands are depicted where the slash load is dominated by the greater-
tayhn-3-inch (7.6-cm) diameter material. The total load may exceed 200 tons per acre (89.2
t/ha) but fuel less than 3 inches (7.6 cm_ is generally only 10 percent of the total load. Situations
where the slash still has "red' needles attached but the total load is lighter, more like model 12,
can be represented because of the earlier high intensity and quicker area involvement.
The 1978 NFDRS fuel model I is represented. Areas most commonly fitting his model are old -
growth stands west of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada Mountains. More efficient utilization
standards are decreasing the amount of large material left in the field.
Fuel model values for estimating fire behavior
Total fuel load, < 3-inch dead and live, tons/acre 58.1
Dead fuel load, 1/4-inch, tons/acre 7.0
Live fuel load, foliage, tons/acre 0
Fuel bed depth, feet 3.0
For other slash situations:
Hardwood slash Model 6
Heavy "red" slash Model 4
Overgrown slash Model 10
Southern pine clearcut slash Model 12
The comparative rates of spread and flame lengths for the slash models at 8 percent dead fuel
moisture content and a 5 mi/h (8 km/h) mid -flame wind are presented in Table 3.25.
Table 3.25. Comparative Fire Intensities and Rates of Spread in
Slash Fuel Models.
Fuel Model
Rate of Spread Flame length
Feet/hour Feet
11 396 3.5
12 858 8.0
13 891 10.5
3.9 Wildland-Urban Interface
3.9.1 People and Structures
A key component in meeting the underlying need is the protection and treatment of fire hazard
in the wildland-urban interface. The wildland-urban interface refers to areas where wildland
vegetation meets urban developments, or where forest fuels meet urban fuels (such as houses).
These areas encompass not only the interface (areas immediately adjacent to urban
development), but also the continuous slopes and fuels that lead directly to a risk to urban
developments. Reducing the fire hazard in the wildland urban interface requires the efforts of
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 70
federal, state, local agencies, and private individuals (Norton 2002). "The role of [most] federal
agencies in the wildland urban interface includes wildland fire fighting, hazard fuels reduction,
cooperative prevention and education and technical experience. Structural fire protection [during
a wildfire] in the wildland urban interface is [largely] the responsibility of Tribal, state, and local
governments" (USFS 2001). Property owners share a responsibility to protect their residences
and businesses and minimize fire danger by creating defensible areas around them and taking
other measures to minimize the fire risks to their structures (USFS 2001). With treatment, a
wildland-urban interface can provide firefighters a defensible area from which to suppress
wildland fires or defend communities. In addition, a wildland urban interface that is properly
thinned will be less likely to sustain a crown fire that enters or originates within it (Norton 2002).
By reducing hazardous fuel loads, ladder fuels, and tree densities, and creating new and
reinforcing defensible space, landowners would protect the wildland-urban interface, the
biological resources of the management area, and adjacent property owners by:
• minimizing the potential of high -severity ground or crown fires entering or leaving the
area;
• reducing the potential for firebrands (embers carried by the wind in front of the wildfire)
impacting the WUI. Research indicates that flying sparks and embers (firebrands) from a
crown fire can ignite additional wildfires as far as 11/4 miles away during periods of
extreme fire weather and fire behavior (McCoy et al. 2001 as cited in Norton 2002);
• improving defensible space in the immediate areas for suppression efforts in the event of
wildland fire.
Four wildland/urban conditions have been identified for use in the wildland urban interface
(Norton 2002). These include the Interface Condition, Intermix Condition, Occluded Condition,
and Rural Condition. Descriptions of each are as follows:
• Interface Condition — a situation where structures abut wildland fuels. There is a clear
line of demarcation between the structures and the wildland fuels along roads or back
fences. The development density for an interface condition is usually 3+ structures per
acre;
• Intermix Condition — a situation where structures are scattered throughout a wildland
area. There is no clear line of demarcation, the wildland fuels are continuous outside of
and within the developed area. The development density in the intermix ranges from
structures very close together to one structure per 40 acres;
• Occluded Condition — a situation, normally within a city, where structures abut an
island of wildland fuels (park or open space). There is a clear line of demarcation
between the structures and the wildland fuels along roads and fences. The development
density for an occluded condition is usually similar to that found in the interface condition
and the occluded area is usually less than 1,000 acres in size; and
• Rural Condition — a situation where the scattered small clusters of structures (ranches,
farms, resorts, or summer cabins) are exposed to wildland fuels. There may be miles
between these clusters.
The locations of structures in Valley County have been mapped and are presented on a variety
of maps in this analysis document; specifically in Appendix I. The location of all structures was
determined by examining two sets of remotely sensed images. The more detailed information
was garnered from digital ortho-photos at a resolution of 1 meter (from 1998). For those areas
not covered by the 1 meter DOQQ images, SPOT satellite imagery at a resolution of 10 meters
was used (from 2002). These records were augmented with data collected on hand-held GPS
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 71
receivers to record the location of structures, especially in areas where new housing
developments were seen.
All structures are represented by a "dot" on the map. No differentiation is made between a
garage and a home, or a business and a storage building. The density of structures and their
specific locations in this management area are critical in defining where the potential exists for
casualty loss in the event of a wildfire in the region.
By evaluating this structure density, we can define WUI areas on maps by using mathematical
formulae and population density indexes to define the WUI based on where structures are
located. The resulting population density indexes create concentric circles showing high density
areas of Interface and Intermix WUI, as well as Rural WUI (as defined by Secretary Norton of
the Department of Interior). This portion of the analysis allows us to "see" where the highest
concentrations of structures are located in reference to high risk landscapes, limiting
infrastructure, and other points of concern.
It is critical to understand that in the protection of people, structures, infrastructure, and unique
ecosystems, this portion of the analysis only serves to identify structures and by some extension
the people that inhabit them. It does not define the location of infrastructure and unique
ecosystems. Other analysis tools will be used for those items.
The WUI interface areas as defined here are presented in map form in Appendix I.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 72
Wildland-Urban Interface
Pistol Creek
5 10 20 30 Miles
II III 1 I 1 ill
Wildland-Urban Interface
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Valley County, Idaho
Legend
* Cities
— Roads
® County Border
ED Open Water
Ein Incorporated Cities (Urban)
WUI: Intermix S Interface
IN 5 - 15 High
20 - 35
40 - 55
LL, 60 - 75
80 - 95 Low
Rural Lands
Wild Lands
This map is presented for reference in this section of the plan. This map, and additional maps are
detailed in Appendix L
3.9.1.1 Fire Risk Within the WUI
Using the evaluation of where the Wildland-Urban Interface exists in Valley County, we have the
ability to observe the fire risk in these areas as evaluated in the Fire Prone Landscapes
analysis. The resulting analysis demonstrates that the Intermix and Interface areas of the
county, on average have a low risk overall risk rating. However, there are a significant number
of acres (approximately 700 acres) rated above 70 on the Fire Prone Landscapes scale.
Similarly, the areas identified as Rural follow the overall trend of Valley County's risk rating, with
a substantial number of acres rated at 50 and above (Table 3.26).
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 73
Figure 3.4. Fire Prone Landscapes within the WUI of Valley County.
Y!
m
a
900,000
800,000
700,000 -7
600,000 -7
500,000
400,000
300,000 -7
200,000
100,000
0
Fire Prone Landscapes within the WUI
■ WUI: Interface & Intermix
DWUI: Rural
❑ AII of Valley County
10
20
30 40 50 60 70
Fire Prone Landscapes Scale (0-100)
80
90
Table 3.26. Fire Prone Landscapes Risk in the WUI of Valley County.
Fire Prone
Acres
Landscapes WUI: Interface &
Scale
10
20
30
40
50
60 ._.............
70
80
90_..____.___._
100
Total Acres
Intermix
WUI: Rural
5 8
1,212 1,500
45,868 53,649
42,189 223,152
7,124 354,538
5,652 _..... ............................... 258,495
277 91,728
__.._ 222 __..._, 24,549
13932,018
71 37,969
102,759 1,077,607
All of Valley
County
14
2,823
103,300
331,966
808,893
584,437
283,896
72,328
96,841
103,348
2,387,845
100
3.9.2 Infrastructure
Valley County has both significant infrastructure and unique ecosystems within its boundaries.
Of note for this WUI Fire Mitigation Plan is the existence of highway routes (eg., State Highway
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 74
55 and Warm Lake Highway), and the presence of high tension power lines supplying
surrounding counties. The County is also served by two railways. The Idaho Northern and
Pacific runs from Cascade along the North Fork Payette River to Emmett, Idaho transporting
predominantly timber and forest products, agricultural products, and chemicals. The Idaho
Historical Railroad provides sightseeing tours for passengers between Cascade and Smith's
Ferry on the Thunder Mountain Line. These resources will be considered in the protection of
infrastructural resources for Valley County and to the larger extent of this region, and the rest of
Idaho.
High Tension Power Lines have been mapped and are presented in Appendix I. Protection of
these lines from loss during a wildfire is paramount in as much as the electrical power they
provide serves not only the communities of Valley County but of surrounding counties. The
protection of these lines allows for community sustainability, support of the economic viability of
Valley County, and the protection of people who rely on that power. Fuels mitigation under
power lines has received considerable attention in forested ecosystems as timber is thinned and
heavy accumulations of brush are managed. This practice should be mandated into the future.
However, the importance of management of rangeland ecosystems under high tension power
lines should not be overlooked. Brush intermixed with grasses and other species, during
extreme fire weather events, coupled with steep slopes can produce considerable heat and
particulate matter. When this occurs under power lines, the result can be arching between lines
and even failure of the electrical media itself. Fuel mitigation treatments in high risk areas,
especially where multiple lines are co -located, will be recommended for treatments.
Municipal water supplies are scattered across the county. The Idaho Water Resources Board
maintains data on 52 municipal water supplies in Valley County. The majority of these (55) are
groundwater systems taking water from a well for use by a local water system or business. Two
of the existing municipal water supplies are spring -groundwater systems removing water at the
surface or just underground from a natural spring. Finally, five municipal water supplies in Valley
County are surface water collection points. These are the water supply points which could be
most adversely affected by a wildfire because of the impacts that sediment and increased
erosion following a fire could pose. These systems will be addressed directly in the section of
this document detailing potential treatments. Table 3.27 details some of the attributes of these
water collection points.
Table 3.27. Surface Water Collection Points in Valley County.
Name of Collection
Point
PARADISE POINT
MCCALL CITY OF
MCCALL CITY OF
WEST MOUNTAIN
WATER ASSN INC
YELLOW PINE WATER
USERS INC
Type
Non -community
Transient
Community
Community_
Non -community
Transient
Community
Population
Source Name LATITUDE LONGITUDE Served
PAYETTE LAKE 44.96685
DAVIS BEACH PL 44.92231
MAIN STATION PL 44.91239
- 116.05892
- 116.09293
...................
- 116.09735
50
3,000
3,000
RICHARD CREEK 44.48889-116.09250 150
BOULDER CREEK 44.97205-115.48815 72
3.9.3 Ecosystems
Valley County is a diverse ecosystem with a complex array of vegetation, wildlife, and fisheries
that have developed with, and adapted to fire as a natural disturbance process. A century of
wildland fire suppression coupled with past land -use practices (primarily timber harvesting and
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 75
mining) has altered plant community succession and has resulted in dramatic shifts in the fire
regimes and species composition. As a result, forests and rangelands in Valley County have
become more susceptible to large-scale, high intensity fires posing a threat to life, property, and
natural resources including wildlife and special status plant populations and habitats. High -
intensity, stand -replacing fires have the potential to seriously damage soils and native
vegetation. In addition, an increase in the number of large high intensity fires throughout the
nation's forest and rangelands, has resulted in significant safety risks to firefighters and higher
costs for fire suppression (House of Representatives, Committee on Agriculture, Washington,
DC, 1997).
3.10 Soils
Our soil resource is an extremely important component for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and
economy. Fire can play an intricate role in this process, if it occurs under normal conditions of
light fuels associated with low intensity underburns. However, the buildup of fuels and
consequent high severity fires can cause soils to become water repellent (hydrophobic), and
thus greatly increases the potential for overland flow during intense rains. Soil in degraded
conditions does not function normally, and will not be able to sustain water quality, water yield,
or plant communities that have normal structure, composition, and function. Fire is also strongly
correlated with the carbon -nutrient cycles and the hydrologic cycle. Fire frequency, extent, and
severity are controlled to a large degree by the availability of carbon, as well as the moisture
regime (Quigley & Arbelbide 1997).
Soils were evaluated for their propensity to become hydrophobic during and after a fire as
evidenced by the presence of clay and clay derivatives (e.g., clay loam, cobbly clay) in the
upper soil layers. In addition, their permeability and tendency to allow runoff to infiltrate the soil
rapidly was evaluated. In general, with notable exceptions, the majority of the area within the
County has fairly low clay content in the Bt horizon. On average these soils are well drained with
moderate permeability. However, where the soils derived from basalt exist (western and
northwestern edges of the county) the soils are more prone to hydrophobic characteristics.
Low to moderate intensity fires would be not be expected to damage soil characteristics in the
region, especially if the hotter fires in this range were limited to small extents associated with
jackpots of cured fuels. Hot fires providing heat to the Bt horizon substrate depth have the
potential to create hydrophobic characteristics in that layer. This can result in increased
overland flow during heavy rains, following wildfire events, potentially leading to mass wasting.
Rocky and gravelly characteristics in the A horizon layer would be expected to be displaced,
while the silty and loamy fines in these soils may experience an erosion and displacement
potential. These soils will experience the greatest potential impacts resulting from hot fires that
burn for prolonged periods (especially on steep slopes).
The National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has mapped a large portion of Valley
County in detail. A complete soil survey for Valley County was distributed in August 2003.
Please refer the Valley County NRCS Soil Survey Report to view each soil unit in the County
and the associated characteristics relating to the effects of wildland fire.
3.11 Hydrology
The Idaho Water Resource Board is charged with the development of the Idaho Comprehensive
State Water Plan. Included in the State Water Plan are the statewide water policy plan, and
component basin and water body plans which cover specific geographic areas of the state
(IDEQ 2003). The Idaho Department of Water Resources has prepared General Lithologies of
the Major Ground Water Flow Systems in Idaho. The regions surrounding most communities
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 76
within valleys and other "lowlands" in the county are categorized as possessing Quarternary
Undifferentiated Sediments (Qs).
The state may assign or designate beneficial uses for particular Idaho water bodies to support.
These beneficial uses are identified in sections 3.35 and 100.01 - .05 of the Idaho water quality
standards (WQS). These uses include:
• Aquatic Life Support: cold water biota, seasonal cold water biota, warm water biota,
and salmonid spawning;
• Contact Recreation: primary (swimming) and secondary (boating);
• Water Supply: domestic, agricultural, and industrial; and
• Wildlife Habitat and Aesthetics.
While there may be competing beneficial uses in streams, federal law requires DEQ to
protect the most sensitive of these beneficial uses (IDEQ 2003).
The geology and soils of this region lead to rapid to moderate moisture infiltration. Slopes are
moderate to steep, however, headwater characteristics of most watersheds lead to a high
degree of infiltration as opposed to a propensity for overland flow. Thus sediment delivery
efficiency of first and third order streams is fairly low. The bedrock is typically well fractured and
moderately soft (granitic soils). This fracturing allows excessive soil moisture to rapidly infiltrate
into the rock and thus surface runoff is rare. Natural mass stability hazards associated with
slides are low. Natural sediment yields are low for these watersheds. However, disrupted
vegetation patterns from logging (soil compaction) and wildland fire (especially hot fires that
increase soil hydrophobic characteristics), can lead to increased surface runoff and debris flow
to stream channels.
A correlation to mass wasting due to the removal of vegetation caused by high intensity wildland
fire has been documented. Burned vegetation can result in changes in soil moisture and loss of
rooting strength that can result in slope instability, especially on slopes greater than 30%. The
greatest watershed impacts from increased sediment will be in the lower gradient, depositional
stream reaches.
The Valley County Comprehensive Plan addresses Streams, Rivers, and Wetland issues
specifically. The Plan sets forth the following goals in relation to water resources in the county:
Water Resources Goal Ns I
Conserve and mange groundwater and surface water in all its forms in order to prevent
depletion or pollution.
Water Resources Objectives:
1. Orient watershed management practices toward the improvement and maintenance of
ground and surface water quality throughout Valley County
2. Take an active role, regarding water quality and quantity, by participation in the revision
of the plans of the National Forests and Bureau of Reclamation.
3. Encourage open space buffers adjacent to rivers and creeks in order to preserve riparian
areas.
4. Promote agricultural practices which protect and improve water quality and the
expansion of those practices.
5. Protect the recreational value of the county's water bodies and water courses.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 77
6. Protect important riparian areas by:
a. Promoting the designation and mapping of critical areas.
b. Promoting the preservation of riparian habitats and stream conditions.
c. Promoting the rehabilitation and enhancement of degraded riparian habitat and
stream conditions.
7. Encourage improvement of irrigation water management practice which conserve water
and reduce ground and surface water pollution or contamination.
8. Promote the use of geothermal resources for recreation or commercial useage.
9. encourage the retention of existing wetlands in order to protect water quality and
establishment of new wetlands.
These enumerated goals and objectives stated in the Valley County Comprehensive Plan are
consistent with this planning effort, and are integrated by this reference.
Of critical importance to Valley County will be the maintenance of the domestic watershed
supplies near McCall, Yellow Pine, and the West Mountain residential development near
Cascade. More discussion about these watersheds will be provided in the recommendations
section.
3.12Air Quality
The primary means by which the protection and enhancement of air quality is accomplished is
through implementation of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). These standards
address six pollutants known to harm human health including ozone, carbon monoxide,
particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, lead, and nitrogen oxides (USDA Forest Service 2000).
Smoke emissions from fires potentially affect an area and the airsheds that surround it. Climatic
conditions affecting air quality in Central Idaho are governed by a combination of factors. Large-
scale influences include latitude, altitude, prevailing hemispheric wind patterns, and mountain
barriers. At a smaller scale, topography and vegetation cover also affect air movement patterns.
In Valley County, winds are predominantly from the southwest but occasionally blow from the
west to northwest. Air quality in the area and surrounding airshed is generally good to excellent.
However, locally adverse conditions can result from occasional wildland fires in the summer and
fall, and prescribed fire and agricultural burning in the spring and fall. All major river drainages
are subject to temperature inversions which trap smoke and affect dispersion, causing local air
quality problems. This occurs most often during the summer and fall months and would
potentially affect all communities in Valley County.
Smoke management in Valley County is administered by the Montana/Idaho Airshed Group.
Much of the county is in Airshed Units 15 and 16. The McCall impact zone is within Valley
County borders. Montana/Idaho Airshed Group Operating Guide (Levinson 2002). An airshed is
a geographical area which is characterized by similar topography and weather patterns (or in
which atmospheric characteristics are similar, e.g., mixing height and transport winds). The
USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Idaho Department of Lands are all
members of the Montana/Idaho State Airshed Group, which is responsible for coordinating
burning activities to minimize or prevent impacts from smoke emissions. Prescribed burning
must be coordinated through the Missoula Monitoring Unit, which coordinates burn information,
provides smoke forecasting, and establishes air quality restrictions for the Montana/Idaho
Airshed Group. The Monitoring Unit issues daily decisions which may restrict burning when
atmospheric conditions are not conducive to good smoke dispersion. Burning restrictions are
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 78
issued for airsheds, impact zones, and specific projects. The monitoring unit is active March
through November. Each Airshed Group member is also responsible for smoke management all
year.
The Clean Air Act, passed in 1963 and amended in 1977, is the primary legal authority
governing air resource management. The act established a process for designation of Class I
and Class II areas for air quality management. Class I areas receive the highest level of
protection and numerical thresholds for pollutants are most restrictive for this Class. The
Selway-Bitterroot, Hells Canyon, and Sawtooth Class 1 Areas could be affected by burning
activity in Valley County.
All of the communities within Valley County could be affected by smoke or regional haze from
burning activities in the region. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality maintains Air
Pollution Monitoring Sites throughout Idaho. The Air Pollution Monitoring program monitors all of
the six criteria pollutants. Measurements are taken to assess areas where there may be a
problem, and to monitor areas that already have problems. The goal of this program is to control
areas where problems exist and to try to keep other areas from becoming problem air pollution
areas (Louks 2001).
The Clean Air Act provides the principal framework for national, state, and local efforts to protect
air quality. Under the Clean Air Act, OAQPS (Organization for Air Quality Protection Standards)
is responsible for setting standards, also known as national ambient air quality standards
(NAAQS), for pollutants which are considered harmful to people and the environment. OAQPS
is also responsible for ensuring these air quality standards are met, or attained (in cooperation
with state, Tribal, and local governments) through national standards and strategies to control
pollutant emissions from automobiles, factories, and other sources (Louks 2001).
3.12.1 Fire Mitigation Practices to Maintain Air Quality
Smoke consists of dispersed airborne solids and liquid particles, called particulates, which can
remain suspended in the atmosphere for a few days to several months. Particulates can reduce
visibility and contribute to respiratory problems. Very small particulates can travel great
distances and add to regional haze problems. Regional haze can sometimes result from
multiple burn days and/or multiple owners burning within an airshed over too short a period of
time to allow for dispersion.
For prescribed fires, there are three principle strategies to manage smoke and reduce air quality
effects. They include:
1 Avoidance - This strategy relies on monitoring meteorological conditions when
scheduling prescribed fires to prevent smoke from drifting into sensitive receptors, or
suspending burning until favorable weather (wind) conditions exist. Sensitive receptors
can be human -related (e.g. campgrounds, schools, churches, and retirement homes) or
wildlife -related (threatened and endangered species and their critical habitats);
2. Dilution — This strategy ensures proper smoke dispersion in smoke sensitive areas by
controlling the rate of smoke emissions or scheduling prescribed fires when weather
systems are unstable, not under conditions when a stable high-pressure area is forming
with an associated subsidence inversion. An inversion would trap smoke near the
ground; and
3. Emission Reduction — This strategy utilizes techniques to minimize the smoke output
per unit area treated. Smoke emission is affected by the number of acres burned at one
time, pre -burn fuel loadings, fuel consumption, and the emission factor. Reducing the
number of acres burned at one time would reduce the amount of emissions generated
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 79
by that burn. Reducing the fuel beforehand reduces the amount of fuel available.
Prescribed burning when fuel moistures are high can reduce fuel consumption. Emission
factors can be reduced by pile burning or by using certain firing techniques such as
mass ignition.
Another strategy to manage smoke and reduce air quality effects is to mechanically treat fuels
that would otherwise be burned. These methods include mulching, chipping, and relying on
decomposition of fuels. However, these methods do not necessarily reduce the fuels
accumulation, instead they transform the fuels into a form that has an accelerated
decomposition rate. These methods are generally not practical on a broad, landscape scale, but
are suited to treatments around communities and structures.
If weather conditions changed unexpectedly during a prescribed burn, and there was a potential
for violating air quality standards or for adverse smoke impacts on sensitive receptors (schools,
churches, hospitals, retirement homes, campgrounds, wilderness areas, and species of
threatened or endangered wildlife), the management organization may implement a contingency
plan, including the option for immediate suppression. Considering 1) the proposed action would
result in prescribed fire on a relatively small number of acres, 2) burning as part of this
mitigation plan's implementation in the County will most likely occur over a 5-year or 10-year
period at a minimum, and 3) the County will adhere to Montana/Idaho Airshed Group advisories
and management strategies to minimize smoke emissions, prescribed fire activities would not
violate national or state emission standards and would cause very minor and temporary air
quality impacts. The greatest threat to air quality would be smoke impacts on sensitive
receptors; however, the relative scarcity of sensitive receptors within the County minimizes this
potential air quality impact.
In studies conducted through the Interior Columbia Basin Management Project, smoke
emissions were simulated across the Basin to assess relative differences among historical,
current, and future management scenarios. In assessing the whole Upper Columbia Basin,
there was a 43 percent reduction in smoke emissions between the historical and current periods
(Quigley and Arbelbide 1997). The projected smoke emissions varied substantially with the
vastly different management scenarios. The consumptive demand and passive management
scenarios were projected to substantially increase smoke emissions above current levels. The
active management scenarios were projected to result in a decrease of current levels.
Although prescribed fire smoke would occur more frequently than wildland fire smoke, since
prescribed fires are scheduled during the year, the effects of wildland fire smoke on visibility are
more acute. Prescribed fires produce less smoke than wildland fires for comparatively shorter
periods, because they are conducted under weather conditions that provide for better smoke
dispersion. In a study conducted by Holsapple and Snell (1996), wildland fire and prescribed fire
scenarios for the Columbia Basin were modeled. In conclusion, the prescribed fire scenarios did
not exceed the EPA particulate matter (PM 10) standard in a 24-hour period. Similar projections
were observed for a PM 2.5 threshold. Conversely, all wildland fire scenarios exceeded air
quality standards. Similar responses were reported by Huff et al. (1995) and Ottmar et al. (1996)
when they compared the effects of wildland fire to prescribed fire on air quality. The impacts of
wildland fire and management ignited prescribed fire on air quality vary because of the
differences in distribution of acres burned, the amount of fuel consumed per acre (due to fuel
moisture differences), and the weather conditions in which typical spring and fall prescribed
burns occur. This analysis reveals wildland fire impacts on air quality may be significantly
greater in magnitude than emissions from prescribed burns. This may be attributable, in part, to
the fact that several states within the project area have smoke management plans requiring
favorable weather conditions for smoke dispersion prior to igniting wildland fires (Quigley and
Arbelbide 1997).
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 80
Chapter 4: Summaries of Risk and Preparedness
4 Overview
4.1 Wildland Fire Characteristics
An informed discussion of fire mitigation is not complete until basic concepts that govern fire
behavior are understood. In the broadest sense, wildland fire behavior describes how fires burn;
the manner in which fuels ignite, how flames develop and how fire spreads across the
landscape. The three major physical components that determine fire behavior are the fuels
supporting the fire, the topography in which the fire is burning, and the weather and atmospheric
conditions during a fire event. At the landscape level, both topography and weather are beyond
our control. We are powerless to control winds, temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric
instability, slope, aspect, elevation, and landforms. It is beyond our control to alter these
conditions, and thus impossible to alter fire behavior through their manipulation. When we
attempt to alter how fires burn, we are left with manipulating the third component of the fire
environment, the fuels which support the fire. By altering fuel loading and fuel continuity across
the landscape, we have the best opportunity to determine how fires burn.
A brief description of each of the fire environment elements follows in order to illustrate their
effect on fire behavior.
4.1.1 Weather
Weather conditions are ultimately responsible for determining fire behavior. Moisture,
temperature, and relative humidity determine the rates at which fuels dry and vegetation cures,
and whether fuel conditions become dry enough to sustain an ignition. Once conditions are
capable of sustaining a fire, atmospheric stability and wind speed and direction can have a
significant affect on fire behavior. Winds fan fires with oxygen, increasing the rate at which fire
spreads across the landscape. Weather is the most unpredictable component governing fire
behavior, constantly changing in time and across the landscape. Wind contributes to spotting
potential and may initiate the transition from a surface fire to a crown fire is fuel ladders are
present.
4.1.2 Topography
Fires burning in similar fuel conditions burn dramatically different under different topographic
conditions. Topography alters heat transfer and localized weather conditions, which in turn
influence vegetative growth and resulting fuels. Changes in slope and aspect can have
significant influences on how fires burn. Generally speaking, north slopes tend to be cooler,
wetter, more productive sites. This can lead to heavy fuel accumulations, with high fuel
moistures, later curing of fuels, and lower rates of spread. In contrast, south and west slopes
tend to receive more direct sun, and thus have the highest temperatures, lower humidity, lower
soil and fuel moistures, and lightest fuels. The combination of light fuels and dry sites lead to
fires that typically display the highest rates of spread. These slopes also tend to be on the
windward side of mountains. Thus these slopes tend to be "available to burn" a greater portion
of the year.
Slope also plays a significant roll in fire spread, by allowing preheating of fuels upslope of the
burning fire. As slope increases, rate of spread and flame lengths tend to increase. Therefore,
we can expect the fastest rates of spread on steep, warm south and west slopes with fuels that
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 81
are exposed to the wind. In addition, fires often cause "rollers" or burning materials which are
released during the fire to roll down the slope causing new ignitions below the fire.
4.1.3 Fuels
Fuel is any material that can ignite and burn. Fuels describe any organic material, dead or alive,
found in the fire environment. Grasses, brush, branches, logs, logging slash, forest floor litter,
conifer needles, and homesites (the structures) are all examples. The physical properties and
characteristics of fuels govern how fires burn. Fuel loading, size and shape, moisture content
and continuity and arrangement all have an affect on fire behavior. Generally speaking, the
smaller and finer the fuels, the faster the potential rate of fire spread. Small fuels such as grass,
needle litter and other fuels less than a quarter inch in diameter are most responsible for fire
spread. In fact, "fine" fuels, with high surface to volume ratios, are considered the primary
carriers of surface fire. This is apparent to anyone who has ever witnessed the speed at which
grass fires burn. As fuel size increases, the rate of spread tends to decrease, as surface to
volume ratio decreases. Fires in large fuels generally burn at a slower rate, but release much
more energy, and burn with much greater intensity. This increased energy release, or intensity,
makes these fires more difficult to control. Finer fuels are much more responsive to changes in
relative humidity. Thus, it is much easier to control a fire burning in grass than to control a fire
burning in timber.
When burning under a forest canopy, the increased intensities can lead to torching (single trees
becoming completely involved) and potentially development of crown fire. That is, they release
much more energy. Fuels are found in combinations of types, amounts, sizes, shapes, and
arrangements (vertical and horizontal). It is the unique combination of these factors, along with
the topography and weather, which determine how fires will burn.
The study of fire behavior recognizes the dramatic and often -unexpected affect small changes
in any single component has on how fires burn. It is impossible to speak in specific terms when
predicting how a fire will burn under any given set of conditions. However, through countless
observations and repeated research, the some of the principles that govern fire behavior have
been identified and are recognized.
4.2 Valley County Conditions
Valley County is characterized by a relatively mild summers and cold winters. Although
infrequent, fires in the forest fuel types present throughout much of the County have the
potential to result in large, intense and damaging fires such as the 1994 Corral Fire, 1994
Blackwell Fire, or the 2000 Burgdorf Junction Fire. Past timber harvest operations have created
a mosaic of stand conditions that is evident from almost any viewpoint. The fire risk associated
with these activities is highly variable depending on a plethora of factors, some of which include
the amount of timber volume removed (i.e. number and size of trees left standing), treatment of
slash post -harvest, time since last thinning, reforestation success, use of equipment, and many
site specific factors such as aspect and slope. Generally, treatment of slash by prescribed
burning or pile burning can significantly reduce the risk of intense wildfire by removing
hazardous fuels in the understory.
Valley County has had accelerated population growth, particularly in and around McCall and
along the valley going south. At the same time, the number and value of resources at risk is on
the increase, as more and more homes are built in the midst of fire prone fuels. Human use is
strongly correlated with fire frequency, with increasing numbers of fires as use increases. The
combination of frequent ignitions and flammable vegetation has greatly increased the probability
that incendiary devices will find a receptive fuel bed, resulting in increased fire frequency.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 82
Discarded cigarettes, tire fires, and hot catalytic converters have increased the number of fires
experienced along roadways. Careless and unsupervised use of fireworks also contributes their
fair share to unwanted and unexpected wildland fires. Further contributing to ignition sources
are the debris burners who use fire to rid ditches of weeds and other burnable materials.
Fire departments within Valley County have reported a general increase in the number of fires
within the county. Although there have been few homes lost to wildland fires in the recent past,
the potential is growing. Fire departments feel as though pure luck has been on the side of
many homeowners, as more and more fires seem to be controlled at the doorstep of residents'
homes. It is quite probable that homes will eventually be lost to wildland fire. However, there are
a number of actions that can be taken now that can decrease the probability that these events
will occur.
4.2.1 County Wide Potential Mitigation Activities
There are four basic opportunities for reducing the loss of homes and lives to fires. There are
many single actions that can be taken, but in general they can be lumped into one of the
following categories:
• Prevention
• Education/ Mitigation
• Readiness
• Building Codes
4.2.1.1 Prevention
The safest, easiest, and most economical way to mitigate unwanted fires is to stop them before
they start. Generally, prevention actions attempt to prevent human -caused fires. Campaigns
designed to reduce the number and sources of ignitions can be quite effective. Prevention
campaigns can take many forms. Traditional "Smokey Bear" type campaigns that spread the
message passively through signage can be quite effective. Signs that remind folks of the
dangers of careless use of fireworks, burning when windy, and leaving unattended campfires
can be quite effective. It's impossible to say just how effective such efforts actually are, however
the low costs associated with posting of a few signs is inconsequential compared to the
potential cost of fighting a fire.
Slightly more active prevention techniques may involve mass media, such as radio or the local
newspaper. Fire districts in other counties have contributed the reduction in human -caused
ignitions by running a weekly "run blotter," similar to a police blotter, each week in the paper.
The blotter briefly describes the runs of the week and is followed by a weekly "tip of the week" to
reduce the threat from wildland and structure fires. The federal government has been a
champion of prevention, and could provide ideas for such tips. When fire conditions become
high, brief public service messages could warn of the hazards of misuse of fire or any other
incendiary devise. Such a campaign would require coordination and cooperation with local
media outlets. However, the effort is likely to be worth the efforts, costs and risks associated
with fighting unwanted fires.
Fire Reporting: Fires cannot be suppressed until they are detected and reported. As the number
and popularity of cellular phones has increased, expansion of the #FIRE program throughout
Idaho may provide an effective means for turning the passing motorist into a detection resource.
Burn Permits: The issues associated with debris burning during certain times of the year are
difficult to negotiate and enforce. However, there are significant risks associated with the use of
fire adjacent to expanses of flammable vegetation under certain scenarios. Fire departments
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 83
typically observe the State of Idaho Closed fire season between May 20 to October 20. During
this time, an individual seeking to conduct an open burn of any type shall obtain a permit to
prescribe the conditions under which the burn can be conducted and the resources that need to
be on hand to suppress the fire, from a State of Idaho fire warden. Although this is a state-wide
regulation, compliance and enforcement has been variable between fire districts. Tackling this
issue is difficult. Typically, the duty falls to the chief of whichever fire protection district the
burning is planned for. However, this leads to an increased burden on the fire chiefs, who are
already juggling other department obligations with obligations to work and to home. There is
also considerable confusion on the part of the public as to when a permit is necessary and the
procedure for which to obtain the permit. The best -intentioned citizen may unknowingly break
this law for a lack of understanding. Clearly, there is a need to coordinate this process and
educate the public.
4.2.1.2 Education
Once a fire has started and is moving toward home or other valued resources, the probability of
that structure surviving is largely dependent on the structural and landscaping characteristics of
the home. Also of vital importance is the accessibility of the home to emergency apparatus. If
the home cannot be protected safely, firefighting resources will not jeopardize lives to protect a
structure. Thus, the fate of the home will largely be determined by homeowner actions prior to
the event.
The majority of the uncultivated vegetation in Valley County is comprised of timberlands. These
fuels tend to be very flammable and can support very fast moving and intense fires. In many
cases, homes can easily be protected by following a few simple guidelines that reduce the
ignitability of the home. There are multiple programs such as FIREWISE that detail precautions
that should be taken in order to reduce the threat to homes, such as clearing timber or cured
grass and weeds away from structures and establishing a green zone around the home.
However, knowledge is no good unless acted upon. Education needs to be followed up by
action. Any education programs should include an implementation plan. Ideally, funds would be
made available to financially assist the landowner making the necessary changes to the home.
The survey of the public conducted during the preparation of this WUI Fire Mitigation Plan
indicated that approximately 69% of the respondents are interested in participating in this type
of an activity.
4.2.1.3 Readiness
Once a fire has started, how much and how large it burns is often dependent on the availability
of suppression resources. In most cases, rural fire departments are the first to respond and
have the best opportunity to halt the spread of a wildland fire. For many districts, the ability to
reach these suppression objectives is largely dependent on the availability of functional
resources and trained individuals. Increasing the capacity of departments through funding and
equipment acquisition can improve response times and subsequently reduce the potential for
resource loss.
In order to assure a quick and efficient response to an event, emergency responders need to
know specifically where emergency services are needed. Continued improvement and updating
of the rural addressing system is necessary to maximize the effectiveness of a response.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 84
4.2.1.4 Building Codes
The most effective, albeit contentious, solution to some fire problems is the adoption of building
codes in order to assure emergency vehicle access and home construction that does not "invite"
a fast and intense house fire. Codes that establish minimum road construction standards and
access standards for emergency vehicles are an effective means of assuring public and
firefighter safety, as well as increasing the potential for home survivability. County building
inspectors should look to the fire departments in order to assure adequate minimum standards.
Fire districts may want to consider apparatus that may be available during mutual aid events in
order that the adopted standards meet the access requirements of the majority of suppression
resources. In Valley County, such standards may be drafted in consultation with the Fire Chiefs
in order to assure accessibility is possible for all responding resources.
The "New Code of the West" publication currently available at the county courthouse for those
seeking building permits is a brochure which provides recommendations for new construction
homes being built in the wildland-urban interface. This approach is proven to be only moderately
effective.
Coupled with this need for public awareness and resulting action is the potential to implement a
set of requirements or recommendations to specify construction materials allowed for use in
high risk areas of the county. While a resident of Roseberry may not put his or her structure at
undue risk by the use of wooden decking materials, a shake roof, or wooden siding, the same
structure in Yellow Pine would be at tremendous risk through this practice. It is the belief of the
fire mitigation planning committee that the Valley County Commissioners will consider a policy
for dealing with this situation into the future as more and more homes are located in the
wildland-urban interface.
4.3 Valley County's Wildland-Urban Interface
Individual community assessments have been completed for all of the populated places in the
county. The following summaries include these descriptions and observations. Local place
names identified during this plan's development include:
Table 4.1. Valley County Communities
Community Name Planning Description
Vegetative Community
Alpha
Big Creek
Cascade
Donnelly
Edwardsburg
Lake Fork
Landmark
Lardo
McCall
Roseberry
Smith's Ferry
Warm Lake
Yellow Pine
Community
Community
Community
Community
Community
Community
Community
Community
Community
Community
Community
Community
Community
'Those communities with a "Yes" in the
included in the Federal Register, Vol. 66,
Forestland/Rangeland
Forestland
Forestland/Rangeland
Forestland/Rangeland
Forestland
Forestland/Rangeland
Forestland
Forestland
Forestland/Rangeland
Forestland/Rangeland
Forestland
Forestland
Forestland
National Register
Community At Risk?'
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
National Register Community at Risk column are
Number 160, Friday, August 17, 2001, as "Urban
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 85
Wildland Interface Communities within the vicinity of Federal Lands that are at high risk from
wildfires". All of these communities have been evaluated as part of this plan's assessment.
Site evaluations on these communities are included in subsequent sections. The results of
FEMA Hazard Severity Forms for each community are presented in Appendix II.
4.3.1 Mitigation Activities Applicable to all Communities
4.3.1.1 Homesite Evaluations and Creation of Defensible Space
Individual homesite evaluations can increase homeowners' awareness and improve the
survivability of structures in the event of a wildfire. Maintaining a lean, clean, green zone within
at least 100 feet of structures to reduce the potential loss of life and property is highly
recommended. Assessing individual homes in the outlying areas can address the issue of
escape routes and home defensibility characteristics. Educating the homeowners in techniques
for protecting their homes is critical in these environments.
4.3.1.2 Travel Corridor Fire Breaks
Human ignition points are likely to continue to be concentrated along the roads and railway lines
that run through the county. These travel routes have historically served as the primary source
of human -caused ignitions. In areas with high concentrations of resource values along these
corridors, fire lines may be considered in order to provide a fire break in the event of a roadside
ignition. Access route mitigation can provide an adequate control line under normal fire
conditions. Alternatively, permanent fuel breaks can be established in order to reduce the
potential for ignitions originating from the main travel roads to spread into the surrounding lands.
4.3.1.3 Power Line Corridor Fire Breaks
The treatment opportunities specified for travel corridor fire breaks apply equally for power line
corridors. The obvious difference between the two is that the focus area is not an area parallel
to and adjacent to the road, but instead focuses on the area immediately below the
infrastructure element. Protection under the high tension power lines is strongly recommended.
This may be an opportunity for intensive livestock grazing practices as a tool for reducing fine
fuels around significant infrastructure.
4.4 Valley County Geographic Areas
Significant differences exist in attributes important in the management of fire in urban-wildland
interface throughout Valley County. Differences in vegetative patterns, forest and fuels
characteristics, residential development practices, fire protection responsibilities, and ignition
potential requires a method of partitioning populated areas of the county into locales that share
similar characteristics. Discussions with fire and land management personnel have yielded a
geographic breakdown of populated areas based on one or more of these characteristics. The
geographic areas extend from the McCall area to the north, through the Cascade Reservoir
area, south to Smith's Ferry and High Valley. Eighteen individual geographic areas have been
defined. Each geographic area is unique in some way that is significant in terms of fire
management. In some cases, further differentiation within each geographic area is necessary to
address issues associated with individual subdivisions or developed areas.
These treatment regions are mapped in Appendix I and included here for reference.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 86
Tree
ien
0 5 10 20 Miles
t r r r r I i r r r l
Map scale may distort during printing,
Use this reletive scale bar for absolute reference.
Regions
Yellow Pine
Landmark
Stibnite)
Legend_
• Structures
* Cities
County Border
01 Open Water
Treatment Areas'
J Blackhawk
3 Cascade
Donnelly
1 East Lake Fork
Ej Gold Dust -Alpha
High Valley
Jughandle
Little Donner-Sugedoaf
McCall
[ 1 Osprey Point
....�? Pearsol-Horsethief
Roseberry
1 Smith's Ferry
..Tamarack
West take Fork
m west Mtn.
This map is presented for reference in this section of the plan. This map, and additional maps are
detailed in Appendix L
4.4.1 Rangeland Geographic Areas in Valley County
This section includes assessments for the geographic areas of West Lake Fork, East Lake Fork,
and Roseberry Geographic Areas.
4.4.1.1 Vegetative Associations
These communities lie in the river valley region on the western edge of Valley County. This
vegetative ecosystem is known as a mid elevation meadow community. Grasses, forbs, sedges,
and rushes are typical vegetation. Due to the high water table, the North Fork Payette River
valley is luxuriant throughout most of the year and contains very diverse prairie wildflower
displays. Several small seasonal melt water streams meander across the valley floor to either
the river channel or to drain into small lower elevation wetlands. Woodlands and forests occur
on the surrounding hills and mountains.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 87
Approximately 90% of the meadow vegetation community has been converted to various crop or
pasture lands. Natural stream channels have been diverted to accommodate road networks,
home construction, and other land uses. This practice has eliminated some of the riparian and
wetland areas that historically characterized this ecosystem. Agricultural practices have created
a patchwork of green, lush vegetation and cured rangeland. This patchwork helps to break the
continuity of fuels that are available to burn. Damaging fires in agricultural lands are infrequent;
however, these fuel types could potentially support a very fast-moving albeit, low intensity, fire.
Under dry and windy conditions, fires in these vegetative types can burn thousands of acres in a
single burning period.
4.4.1.2 Overall Fuels Assessment
Fuels throughout the rangeland type communities in Valley County are quite consistent,
dominated primarily by agricultural fields with only a few patches of native meadow remaining.
Areas dominated by native grasses and cropland can be described as Fuel Models 1 (FM1).
Fires in this fuel type tend to spread rapidly, but burn at relatively low intensities. Where grasses
become less consistent, wind is needed to push fires through the bunchgrass. Actual burn time
is generally short and burned areas cool quickly after passage of the fire front.
Community Assessments: The majority of homes and structures within the valley areas are at
low risk of loss to wildland fire. The prevalence of developed agricultural land and grass fuels
pose a low threat to homes surrounded by these fuels, as fire typically spreads quickly and
burns at relatively low intensities. However, there are a number of individual homes that are at
much higher risk to wildland fire loss in the area, largely due to use of highly ignitable materials
in home construction, or by lack of defensible space surrounding the home. Home defensibility
practices can dramatically increase the probability of home survivability. The amount of fuel
modification necessary will depend on the specific attributes of the site. In most cases,
maintaining a clean and green lawn or clearing weeds and grasses away from structures is
sufficient for protection in lighter fuels. However, considering the high spread rates typical in
these fuel types, homes need to be protected prior to fire ignitions, as there is little time to
defend a home in advance of a grass and range fire.
4.4.1.3 Individual Geographic Area Assessments
4.4.1.3.1 East Lake Fork Geographic Area
The East Lake Fork geographic area includes the area east of Highway 55 to Farm to Market
Road, and south to Paddy Lane. This area is generally a transition zone from the meadow
ecosystem to the more continuous fuel types along the eastern edge of Long Valley. This area
is also quite heavily populated, with numerous subdivisions. The increased usage in the area
contributes to the overall ignition potential within the area.
4.4.1.3.1.1 Fire Potential
Most of the free water in this area has been diverted to roadside ditches or canals, so the
vegetation is somewhat drier than in other parts of the valley. There are a few isolated patches
of timber throughout this geographic area, particularly along the banks of the Lake Fork River.
Fuels Assessment
Overall, light, flashy grass fuels with some pockets of timber characterize this area. The direct
sun and wind exposure dry and cure the light, flashy grass fuels around mid to late -summer in
Valley County WUl Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 88
normal years. Fires in light fuel types tend to burn with rapid rates of spread, especially when
driven by gusty winds. Under summertime conditions with a 20-mile per hour wind, fires in
rangeland areas can burn over 3,000 acres in a one -hour. Although these fires can spread
rapidly, they do not burn with the same intensity as fires fueled by dense forest conditions. The
moderate intensities and light fuels typically present less of a control problem for suppression
resources. They also present less of a hazard for homes and other structures within these fuels
if fire resistant materials have been used in home construction and a defensible space has been
created prior to the fire event. The rapid rates of spread in these fuel types can present
significant suppression challenges and safety issues because of the short time it takes for these
fires to grow very large.
The patchy timbered areas are dominated by ponderosa pine. Light grass fuels and the
abundance of pine needles cast from overstory trees increases fine fuel loads along the forest
floor. Fires in ponderosa pine forests tend to burn at reduced rates of spread relative to open
range. If regular forest tending has kept surface fuel loading and ladder fuels to a minimum, fires
in this forest type will generally remain on the surface. Light grass and pine needles burn at low
intensities, with occasional flare-ups in isolated areas of higher fuel accumulation. However, if
heavy surface fuel loads and abundant understory regeneration is present, fires in these drier
forest types can burn at high intensities, leading to torching of large mature trees. These
conditions present significant control problems for suppression resources and can pose a
significant threat to homes in the fire path.
Ignition Profile
The ignition profile is significantly augmented by concentrated human use in this geographic
area. Although lighting strikes are not common throughout Long Valley, human ignitions pose a
greater risk to this area. Lightning strikes in light fuels are quickly extinguished if any
precipitation accompanies the storm event. However, human ignitions are possible during any
weather condition.
Residential living and recreational use in the area present innumerable ignition sources. Debris
burning, discarded cigarettes, children playing with matches, fireworks, roadway fires, and camp
fires are just a few of the countless potential human ignition sources in the area. Power line fires
from tree contact can also spark fires, especially during windy conditions.
The abundance of human and natural ignition sources and the dry nature of fuels increase the
probability of wildland fire in this geographic area. Fire characteristics will depend on fuel types
and fuel moisture as well as on weather conditions at the time of ignition. Fires during periods of
drought with high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds can quickly lead to fast-moving,
destructive wildfires in any fuel type.
4.4.1.3.1.2 Ingress and Egress
Ingress and egress on main roadways throughout this geographic area is generally adequate for
emergency vehicles. Also, most private drives are capable of supporting large vehicles due to
the flat nature of the topography and lack of heavy fuels. Creating a stable surface in turn
around areas may be a concern in wetter areas.
4.4.1.3.1.3 Infrastructure
Many of the homes in the area are supplied with power via overhead wires. In general, most
power lines are clear of trees and limbs along the roadways. However, the incidence of limb
contact is likely to be highest in the immediate vicinity of the home, as many homes have been
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 89
built in patches of timber or have planted ornamental trees in yards. There are two municipal
groundwater sources located in this vicinity; however, some residents have personal wells.
4.4.1.3.1.4 Fire Protection
The McCall Fire Protection District provides structural fire protection in the northern portion of
the area, with Donnelly Rural Fire District providing structural protection to areas south of Lake
Fork. Wildland fire protection is provided by SITPA. Additionally, SITPA has mutual aid
agreements with McCall Fire Protection District and Donnelly Rural Fire Department for wildland
fire assistance.
4.4.1.3.1.5 Community Risk Assessment
This geographic area is considered to be at moderate risk to wildland fire. The prevalence of
light flashy fuels and the abundance of ignition sources increase the probability of rapidly
spreading fires. The drier timber types in the area are also available to burn for extended
periods during the fire season. Where a defensible space has not been created around homes,
rapidly spreading fires can quickly transition into structure fires. Furthermore, homes tend to be
nestled into patches of timber, possibly leading to increased fire intensities where mitigation
activities have not occurred.
4.4.1.3.1.6 Mitigation Activities
Mitigation activities are necessary around many home sites that have been built within the
timbered areas. Homes within these timbered patches need to be evaluated in order to
determine risks to the home and the necessary steps to reduce home ignitability. Mitigation
activities around the home can enhance the survivability of individual homes as well as reduce
the probability of ignitions originating around the home spreading to fuels beyond the home site.
Once a fire has started and is moving toward homes or other values resources, the probability
of that structure surviving a passing fire front is largely dependent on the structural and
landscaping characteristics of the home. Also of vital importance is the accessibility of the home
to emergency apparatus. If the home cannot be protected safely, firefighting resources will not
jeopardize lives to protect a structure. Thus, the fate of the home will largely be determined by
homeowner actions prior to the event. In many cases, homes survivability can be greatly
enhanced by following a few simple guidelines that reduce the ignitability of the home.
"Living with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner" is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as
to the steps to take in order to create an effective defensible space. Residents of Valley County
should be encouraged to work with local fire departments and fire management agencies within
the county to complete individual homesite evaluations. Home defensibility steps should be
enacted based on the results of these evaluations.
4.4.1.3.2 West Lake Fork Geographic Area
The West Lake Fork geographic area includes the area east of the Payette River to Highway 55,
south to Smiley Lane, including the community of Lake Fork. This geographic area is primarily a
farming and ranching community, with the majority of lands in agriculture or pasture. There are
some remnant patches of meadow vegetation along fencelines, ditches, and in untellable areas.
There has been some construction of subdivisions in the area, including the Payette River
Subdivision and the Brookdale Meadows Subdivision, with other residential development
concentrated along the Payette River and along the Highway 55 corridor.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 90
4.4.1.3.2.1 Fire Potential
This geographic area is dominated by light grasses and irrigated cropland. There are pockets of
forested vegetation along the Payette River floodplain, dominated by ponderosa pine with a
small component of lodgepole pine. Abundant natural and human ignition sources are present
throughout the area. The agricultural nature of the land serves to break native fuel continuity in
many portions of the geographic area.
Fuels Assessment
Fires in these light grass and cropland fuel types can burn with rapid rates of spread, especially
when driven by gusty winds. Under summertime conditions with a 20-mile per hour wind, fires in
light grass fuels can burn over 3,000 acres in a one -hour. Although these fires can spread
rapidly, they do not burn with the same intensity as fires fueled by dense forest conditions. The
moderate intensities and light fuels typically present less of a control problem for suppression
resources. They also present less of a hazard for homes and other structures within these fuels
if fire resistant materials have been used in home construction and a defensible space has been
created prior to a fire event.
Irrigation helps to break fuel continuities in this area by keeping cultivated crops green late into
the growing season. However, once irrigation is stopped, cultivated crops cure rapidly. Once
these crops become available to burn, they can have a significant affect on wildland fire spread,
providing a continuous fuel bed to sustain fire spread.
Along the Payette River corridor, vegetative communities shift rapidly from small riparian
cottonwood forests to mixed ponderosa and lodgepole pine before reaching grass rangelands.
These pine -dominated forests have moderate surface fuels, including grass, brush and pine
needles. Lodgepole stands tend to be dense and unhealthy, particularly in the vicinity of the
Payette River Subdivision. Fires in these fuels generally burn at low intensities and at relatively
slow rates of spread under normal conditions. However, where dead fuels and live ladder fuels
have been allowed to accumulate in the understory, fires will burn at significantly higher
intensities. Furthermore, the combination of drought conditions with hot, windy weather can lead
to the development of very intense, crown fires that present significant control problems. Such
conditions would pose a significant threat to homes in the Payette River Subdivision.
Ignition Profile
As with many areas in Valley County, the number of ignition sources is significantly augmented
by human ignition sources. Lightning down -strikes are not uncommon in the valley bottom.
However, lightning strikes in light fuels are frequently quickly extinguished if any precipitation
accompanies the storm event. Natural ignitions are more likely in the forested areas around the
Payette River, where trees and large woody fuels are able to sustain fire during precipitation
events.
Human caused fires contribute significantly to the probability of fires in this area. Residential
living and recreational use in the area present innumerable ignition sources. Debris burning,
discarded cigarettes, children playing with matches, fireworks, roadway fires, and camp fires are
just a few of the countless potential human ignition sources in the area. Power line fires
resulting from tree contact can also spark fires, especially during windy conditions. Recreational
use along the Payette River also contributes to the probability of a human ignition in the area.
The abundance of human and natural ignition sources and the dry nature of fuels in the area
increase the probability of wildland fire in this geographic area. Fire characteristics will depend
on fuel type and fuel moisture as well as on weather conditions at the time of ignition. Fires
Valley County WU/ Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 91
during periods of drought with high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds can quickly
lead to fast-moving, destructive wildfires regardless of fuel type.
4.4.1.3.2.2 Ingress and Egress
Overall, there are very few access and egress issues in this geographic area. The vast majority
of roads are in the broad, flat agricultural area between Highway 55 and the Payette River. It is
unlikely that these roads would be compromised for an extended period in the event of a
wildland fire. The moderate road density in the area provides alternate escape routes for most
areas, including homes in the Brookdale Meadows Subdivision.
Access to areas within the Payette Lakes Subdivision is somewhat problematic. Hogue Hollow
Drive provides the only access to homes along the Payette River, potentially resulting in
bottlenecks, which can increase evacuation time and decrease response time. The lack of a
secondary access -escape route increases overall risk to this community.
Road signs and house numbers throughout the area help to reduce response times for
emergency services.
4.4.1.3.2.3 Infrastructure
Idaho Power maintains a high-tension power line that passes through this area. It is unlikely that
this line would be threatened by a fire event because of the use of steel support structures.
Municipal power is supplied to many areas within the area by aboveground power lines. In
general, there are few trees in the vicinity of the overhead wires. However, where trees are
close to lines, they should be managed in order to reduce the potential of arcing or downed lines
from fallen trees or limbs.
4.4.1.3.2.4 Fire Protection
McCall Fire Protection District provides structural fire protection in the northern portion of the
area, while Donnelly Rural Fire Department providing protection to areas south of Lake Fork.
Wildland fire protection is by mutual agreement between McCall Rural Fire District and SITPA.
4.4.1.3.2.5 Community Risk Assessment
Much of this geographic area is considered to be at low risk to loss from wildland fire.
Predominantly light fuel conditions throughout the area present little risk to homes and
infrastructure. The rural settlement pattern throughout the agricultural portion of the area results
in a low density of homes, most of which have sufficient defensible space. Recently subdivided
areas such as Brookdale Meadows have been built with fire resistant materials and have
adequate defensible space and green lawns of sufficient size to protect the home from a
grassland fire.
Homes within the Payette River Subdivision are at significantly elevated risk due to the lack of
an alternate ingress -egress route and the prevalence of dense stands of lodgepole pine.
Furthermore, many homes lack an adequate defensible space and are constructed with
combustible materials, including overhanging wooden decks. Access issues, home site
characteristics, and potential fire behavior under extreme weather events increases the risk to
this area. The greatest potential for wildland fire development is likely to originate from within
the community due to a human ignition, then spreading between home sites in the light grass
fuels.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 92
4.4.1.3.2.6 Mitigation Activities
Little mitigation activities are needed in most areas with light fuels due to the presence of
adequate defensible space. However, all homeowners can benefit from an education campaign
designed to raise awareness of practices to help maintain the reduced potential for home
ignition. Mitigation activities are necessary in the Payette River Subdivision. Mitigation activities
should start around the home and progress toward the fringes of wooded areas. Mitigation
activities around the home can enhance the survivability of individual homes as well as reduce
the probability of fires spreading between homes.
Once a fire has started and is moving toward homes or other values resources, the probability
of that structure surviving a passing fire front is largely dependent on the structural and
landscaping characteristics of the home. Also of vital importance is the accessibility of the home
to emergency apparatus. If the home cannot be protected safely, firefighting resources will not
jeopardize lives to protect a structure. Thus, the fate of the home will largely be determined by
homeowner actions prior to the event. In many cases, homes survivability can be greatly
enhanced by following a few simple guidelines that reduce the ignitability of the home.
"Living with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner" is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as
to the steps to take in order to create an effective defensible space. Residents of Valley County
should be encouraged to work with local fire departments and fire management agencies within
the county to complete individual homesite evaluations. Home defensibility steps should be
enacted based on the results of these evaluations.
4.4.1.3.3 Roseberry Geographic Area
The Roseberry geographic area encompasses the area east of Highway 55 to the SITPA
protection boundary, south of Paddy Flat Road, including Finlandia Estates and Paddy Flat.
4.4.1.3.3.1 Fire Potential
The western portion of this geographic area is dominated by meadow grasslands and
agriculture, transitioning to pine forest in the vicinity of SimpCo Estates and Finlandia Estates.
Fuels around Paddy Flat tend to be light grasses as well.
Fuels Assessment
Grass fuels are most prevalent in the western portion of the geographic area and in the Paddy
Flat area. Fire spread in these fuel types can be very rapid, capable of spread at more than four
miles an hour. Although these fires can spread rapidly, they do not burn with the same intensity
as fires fueled by dense forest conditions. The moderate intensities and light fuels typically
present less of a control problem for suppression resources. They also present less of a hazard
for homes and other structures within these fuels, if fire resistant materials have been used in
home construction and defensible space has been created prior to a fire event. However, fires in
light fuels can pose a significant threat to life and property simply because of the rapid rates of
spread associated with these fuels.
Light grass fuels and the abundance of pine needles cast from overstory trees in forested areas
increases fine fuel loads along the forest floor. These light fuels generally burn at low intensities,
with occasional flare-ups in isolated areas of higher fuel accumulation. However, if heavy
surface fuel loads and abundant understory regeneration is present, fires in these forest types
can burn at high intensities, leading to torching of large mature trees. These conditions present
significant control problems for suppression resources and can pose a significant threat to
homes in the fire path.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 93
Ignition Profile
Natural ignitions become increasingly probable with increasing elevation and timber. Down
strikes in timbered areas are more likely to ignite large woody fuels capable of sustaining fire
during brief rain events than in the light range fuels within the bottom of Long Valley.
The ignition profile also is significantly augmented by concentrated human use in this
geographic area. Residential living and recreational use in the area present innumerable ignition
sources. Debris burning, discarded cigarettes, children playing with matches, fireworks,
roadway fires, and camp fires are just a few of the countless potential human ignition sources in
the area. Power line sparks resulting from tree contact can also ignite fuels, especially during
windy conditions.
The abundance of human and natural ignition sources and the drier nature of grass and forest
fuels in the area increase the probability of wildland fire in this geographic area. Once ignited,
fire characteristics will depend on fuels type and fuel moisture as well as on weather conditions
at the time of ignition. Fires during periods of drought with high temperatures, Iow humidity and
strong winds can quickly lead to fast-moving, destructive wildfires in any type of fuel.
4.4.1.3.3.2 Ingress and Egress
Ingress and egress in most of this geographic area is suitable for emergency vehicles, with wide
roads and light fuels within the valley bottom. There are a few notable exceptions. Finlandia
Estates is accessed via a single access road, and a number of the homes in the area are
accessed via dead end roads. The lack of an alternate escape route increases overall threat to
these residents.
Homes and recreation areas in the Paddy Flat area are accessed via an unimproved road
passing over Paddy Flat Summit. Although there are alternate escape routes from Paddy Flat,
this road is well maintained and the most direct route from the area. This road has been
identified as a primary escape route and should be maintained as such.
4.4.1.3.3.3 Infrastructure
Homes in Finlandia Estates and SimpCo Estates are served by below ground power, although
there are aboveground power lines throughout the area. Tree contact with power lines is
generally not a concern in most areas in the valley. Power is provided to the Paddy Flat
Subdivision via above ground lines that follow the general path of the road.
4.4.1.3.3.4 Fire Protection
Donnelly Rural Fire Department provides structural fire protection throughout this geographic
area, with wildland protection provided by SITPA and the USDA Forest Service.
4.4.1.3.3.5 Community Risk Assessment
This area is at moderate risk to the effects of wildland fire. The factor that contributes most
significantly to the overall risk is the location of rural subdivisions in timbered areas.
4.4.1.3.3.5.1 Finlandia Estates
There are approximately 15 structures within Finlandia Estates nestled into the timber on the
lower slopes. This is a fairly steep, dry west facing slope. The predominant forest type in this
area is mature ponderosa pine, most of which has been thinned recently. There are a few small
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piles left over from the harvest operations; however, most of the slash has been removed; thus,
reducing the fuel loading. However, there are areas that remain untreated, which are
characterized by thick pine regeneration that could lead to the development of intense fire,
especially under extreme fire weather conditions. The primary risks in this subdivision are the
lack of an alternate escape route into the valley and home site characteristics, including use of
flammable construction material and the lack of defensible space directly around homes.
Additionally, there is no visible numbering (addressing) of homes.
4.4.1.3.3.5.2 SimpCo Estates
The SimpCo Estates are a recently subdivided group of homes located southeast of Roseberry
on Barker Lane. There are approximately 10 residences currently, but at least 18 home sites
have been approved for construction. This subdivision occurs primarily in the grasslands of the
valley, but abuts timber on its eastern and northern borders. Lodgepole and ponderosa pine
with occasional Douglas-fir are most prominent. Forested areas along the main access road
have been thinned with only moderate surface fuels being left on the site. This significantly
reduces the risk of a wildfire threatening this escape route, residents, or homes. Stands abutting
homes off Barker Lane did not appear to have been thinned and dense pine regeneration is
beginning to encroach on the grassland. These homes are at moderate risk due to the closer
proximity of these fuels. Even though many of the residences are on short dead end driveways,
the escape routes to the main access road are bordered by grass species; thus reducing their
risk of being trapped by wildfire.
4.4.1.3.3.5.3 Paddy Flat Subdivision
Paddy Flat Subdivision is accessed via Paddy Flat Road that takes off of Highway 55 between
Lake Fork and Donnelly. The first mile of Paddy Flat road is paved. After crossing Farm to
Market road, Paddy Flat road becomes Forest Service Road 388, a single lane road with
turnouts that winds over Paddy Flat Summit. Paddy Flat Subdivision is located south and west
of Paddy Flat Guard Station, a USFS facility. The subdivision is made up of a several summer
homes that can only be accessed via snowmobiles in winter. USFS Road 388 is not maintained
during the winter months.
The homes in Paddy Flat Subdivision are nestled into the timber. The subdivision is on private
forest land that has been managed. Timber harvesting has created a mosaic of stocking
densities and stand structures creating variable fuel loading conditions in and around the home
sites. Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands property adjacent to privately owned land
is more heavily stocked and contains heavy fuel loading, ladder fuels and forest health issues
that increase the potential for fire spread.
4.4.1.3.3.6 Mitigation Activities
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents of Valley
County must be made aware that home defensibility starts with the home. "Living with Fire, A
Guide for the Homeowner" is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as to the steps to take
in order to create an effective defensible space. Residents of Valley County should be
encouraged to work with local fire departments and fire management agencies within the county
to complete individual homesite evaluations. Home defensibility steps should be enacted based
on the results of these evaluations.
Mitigation activities are necessary around a number of home sites within Finlandia Estates,
Paddy Flat, and to a somewhat lesser extent, SimpCo Estates. Forest Service land adjacent to
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the Paddy Flat subdivision needs emphasis to receive funding for fuels reduction projects.
Homes within timbered areas need to be evaluated in order to determine risks to the home and
the necessary steps to reduce home ignitability. Mitigation activities around the home can
enhance the survivability of individual homes as well as reduce the probability of ignitions
originating around the home spreading to the dry fuels beyond the home site.
Homeowners within Finlandia Estates have expressed interest in coordinated mitigation
activities. This interest should be encouraged, with the possible development of a community
defensible plan, including the augmentation of water sources for fire suppression. The need for
mitigation work and the existing interest within the development make this area a good
candidate for a fire mitigation grant.
4.4.2 Forestland Geographic Areas of Valley County
This section includes assessments for the geographic areas of McCall, Tamarack, Osprey
Point, Little Donner-Sugarloaf, West Mountain, PearsoI-Horsethief, Blackhawk Estates,
Golddust-Alpha-Round Valley, Jughandle, Warm Lake, Donnelly, Cascade, Yellow Pine, Trails
End Subdivision (formerly known as Shidey McClain Ranch), Big Creek, and Edwardsburg.
4.4.2.1 Vegetative Associations
Vegetative structure and composition within Valley County is closely related to elevation, aspect
and precipitation. Relatively mild and moist environments characterize the undulating
topography of the region which transitions from the meadow and agriculture plant communities
of the valley bottoms to forested ecosystems. The forest communities contain high fuel
accumulations that have the potential to burn at moderate to high intensities. Highly variable
topography coupled with dry, windy summer weather conditions typical of the region is likely to
create extreme fire behavior conditions.
The transition between developed agricultural land and timberlands occurs abruptly. Relatively
moist valley vegetative patterns shift toward forested communities dominated by ponderosa
pine, western larch, and Douglas-fir at the lower elevations, transitioning to Iodgepole pine and
grand fir at the higher elevations. Engelmann spruce is commonly found in moist draws and
frost pockets. These forested conditions possess a greater quantity of both dead and down fuels
as well as live fuels. Rates of fire spread tend to be lower than those in the grasslands;
however, intensities can escalate dramatically, especially under the effect of slope and wind.
These conditions can lead to control problems and potentially threaten lives, structures and
other valued resources.
As elevation and aspect increase available moisture, forest composition transitions to moister
habitat types. Increases in moisture keep forest fuels unavailable to burn for longer periods
during the summer. This increases the time between fire events, resulting in varying degrees of
fuel accumulation. When these fuels do become available to burn, they typically burn in mosaic
pattern at mid elevations, where accumulations of forest fuels result in either single or group
tree torching, and in some instances, short crown fire runs. At the highest elevations, fire events
are typically stand replacing, as years of fuel accumulation fuel large, intense wildfire.
Many lower elevation forested areas throughout Valley County are highly valued for their scenic
qualities as well as for their proximity to travel corridors. These attributes have led to increased
recreational home development and residential home construction in and around forest fuel
complexes. The juxtaposition of highly flammable forest types and rapid home development will
continue to challenge the ability to manage wildland fires in the wildland~urban interface.
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4.4.2.2 Overall Fuels Assessment
Fuel is any material that can ignite and burn. Fuels describe any organic material, dead or alive,
found in the fire environment. Grasses, brush, branches, logs, logging slash, forest floor litter,
conifer needles, and homesites are all examples. The physical properties and characteristics of
fuels govern how fires burn. Fuel loading, size and shape, moisture content and continuity and
arrangement all have an affect on fire behavior. Generally speaking, the smaller and finer the
fuels, the faster the potential rate of fire spread. Small fuels such as grass, needle litter and
other fuels less than a quarter inch in diameter are most responsible for fire spread. In fact,
"fine" fuels, with high surface to volume ratios, are considered the primary carriers of surface
fire. This is apparent to anyone who has ever witnessed the speed at which grass fires burn. As
fuel size increases, the rate of spread tends to decrease, as surface to volume ratio decreases.
Fires in large fuels generally burn at a slower rate, but release much more energy and burn with
much greater intensity. This increased energy release, or intensity, makes these fires more
difficult to control. Thus, it is much easier to control a fire burning in grass than to control a fire
burning in timber.
When burning under a forest canopy, the increased intensities can lead to torching (single trees
becoming completely involved) and potentially development of crown fire. That is, they release
much more energy. Fuels are found in combinations of types, amounts, sizes, shapes, and
arrangements. It is the unique combination of these factors, along with the topography and
weather, which determine how fires will burn.
The study of fire behavior recognizes the dramatic and often-unexpected affect small changes
in any single component has on how fires burn. It is impossible to speak in specific terms when
predicting how a fire will burn under any given set of conditions. However, through countless
observations and repeated research, some of the principles that govern fire behavior have been
identified and are recognized.
Community Assessments: The majority of homes and structures within and surrounding these
communities are along a spectrum from Iow to moderate to high risk of loss to wildland fire.
Individual characteristics of each community and structure dictate the risk factors. The
prevalence of tree and shrub fuels pose a moderate to high threat to homes surrounded by
these fuels, as fire typically spreads quickly through the grasses, but burns at relatively high
intensities in the brush and forest tree fuels, especially where declining forest health is a factor.
Many homes are at Iow risk because of the management of fuels in the area immediately
surrounding the structures and their access routes. There are a number of individual homes that
are at much higher risk to wildland fire loss in the area, largely due to use of highly ignitable
materials in home construction, or by lack of defensible space surrounding the home. Home
defensibility practices can dramatically increase the probability of home survivability. The
amount of fuel modification necessary will depend on the specific attributes of the site.
Considering the high spread rates possible in these fuel types, homes need to be protected
prior to fire ignitions, as there is little time to defend a home in advance of fire.
4.4.2.3 Individual Geographic Area Assessments
4.4.2.3.1 McCall Geographic Area
The McCall Geographic Area includes all the area from the Adams County line to the east shore
of Payette Lake, and south to the Farm to Market Road. McCall is the largest community in
Valley County, with a thriving tourist and recreation based economy. The real estate market
reflects the increasing popularity of this forested community, with rapid subdivision development
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on much of the private land in and around McCall. Situated on the banks of Payette Lake and
surrounded by State and National Forest lands, McCall offers recreational opportunities.
throughout the year. The abundance of outdoor recreation and the wild, forested character of
the area offers a "wilderness" setting for home development. The personality of the area is
preserved to varying degrees as development continues. The desire to "live in the woods" has
led to the development of significant wildland-urban interface issues, as many homeowners are
unwilling to compromise the forested and secluded character of their property to mitigate the
wildland fire potential that exists throughout the area.
The vast majority of residential development in the McCall area is at some risk to loss from
wildland fire. The potential for casualty loss in the greater McCall area varies from Iow in areas
immediately adjacent to the town center, to extremely high in many areas surrounding Payette
Lake. Overall, potential for wildland fire loss is heavily skewed toward high risk. There is little
differentiation between forest and urban fuels in many areas, creating conditions in which
homes essentially become a component of the wildland fuel complex.
Development in the McCall area was initially concentrated in the narrow strip of private land
along banks of Payette Lake, more recently spreading along the valley floor and along the
foothills to the west. Much of the early development was unregulated and unplanned, with
dense development concentrated along narrow roads. More recent developments and
subdivisions have been subject to access and fire codes in order to secure protection from the
McCall Rural Fire District. Because of the interaction between the developers and the Fire
Department, the recent subdivisions are generally much more defendable from both wildland
and structural fire, with adequate access, secure water sources, and below-ground utilities.
These characteristics are lacking in many of the areas that have not been subject to
development codes.
Because of the striking difference in building practices and fuel conditions between early,
unregulated development in the Payette Lakes area and more recent, planned subdivisions,
these areas will be discussed separately in the community assessments.
4.4.2.3.1.1 Fire Potential
Fuels Assessment
The vegetation in the northern portion of Valley County follows the moisture gradient associated
with elevation and aspect. Vegetative communities range from a moist meadow and agriculture
ecosystem to drier Douglas-fir forests with a mature ponderosa pine component to large stands
of continuous Iodgepole pine to high elevation spruce-fir forests. During the last 15 years, large
areas of mixed Iodgepole and subalpine fir forests have been burned. Evidence of the Blackwell
and Corral Fires of 1994 can be seen to the north and east of town. The fires burned an
estimated 60,000 acres in this forest type.
The majority of forested lands immediately adjacent to Payette Lake are a mix of ponderosa
pine, western larch, Douglas-fir and grand fir, with components of Engelmann spruce and
Iodgepole pine. Perhaps the most striking component of the forested environment in the
immediate vicinity of McCall are the large, mature ponderosa pine that can be found along the
lower elevations around McCall and Payette Lake and on drier aspects along the Highway 55
corridor from the north. These large fire resistant pine suggest the role periodic fire once played
in the development of the vegetative community in keeping the establishment of shade tolerant,
fire susceptible tree species to a minimum. Periodic fires historically perpetuated the dominance
of pine in these areas, as there is sufficient moisture to support more mesic tree species in the
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absence of fire distrurbance. Now, after disruption of the historic fire regime, dense understories
of spruce, fir and other species have emerged.
These seral pine forests will progressively become more dominated by shade-tolerant species if
left unmanaged, increasing the potential for development of stand replacing fires. Although this
understory provides an effective visual screen for homes, it provides a fuel ladder for the
development of torching and spotting in the event of a wildland fire. The mature overstory of
ponderosa pine generates large quantities of needle cast each season, creating fine fuel beds
that promote rapid surface fire spread. Within this volatile fuel complex are numerous houses,
many of which are overtopped by trees of various species. In areas where this condition exists,
there is little differentiation between wildland and urban fuels. In essence, the home serves as a
fuel source in the event of a wildland fire. These conditions are common around the East Shore
of Payette Lake along the Miles Standish Road, Pinehurst Boulevard, and Pilgrim Cove. These
forest conditions are also typical in the vicinity of the Spring Mountain Ranch Subdivision, east
of McCall.
On north and east slopes, or where moisture becomes more available, forest composition
switches to western larch and mixed fir forest types, with a reduced ponderosa pine component.
The increased abundance of moisture supports growth of shade-tolerant conifers, creating both
vertical and horizontal fuel continuity. These forest conditions are typical in the vicinity of the
West Shore of Payette Lake, north from Highway 55, east of Warren Wagon Road. These
conditions are also typical in the McCall area to the south of Highway 55, along the Payette
River drainage.
Outside the city limits of McCall within the broad, rolling Payette River Valley, a mix of meadow
vegetation consisting of grasses, forbs, and sedges and small stands of ponderosa and
Iodgepole pine comprise the majority of native fuels.
The Idaho Department of Lands is continuing hazard management practices within the Payette
Lake and McCall vicinity. The hazard management practices have been targeted along roads,
subdivisions and homesites. Units of the Narrows Timber sale to the west of the Warren Wagon
road have been completed. The mechanical treatments have significantly reduced fuel loads
with fuels generated by harvest activity piled and burned. Fuel reduction activities have also
taken place along travel corridors and along private ownership boundaries in the area. These
treatments will significantly increase suppression resource effectiveness and reduce the
potential for development of high intensity, wildland fire. Similar hazard treatments are planned
along the east side of Payette Lakes and on multiple state endowment lands in the McCall
vicinity.
Ignition Profile
Natural ignitions are significantly augmented by human ignition sources in the McCall area due
to the heavy recreational use in the area. Although lightning down-strikes are not uncommon in
the valley bottom, there is a much greater probability of wildland fire originating from human
ignition sources within developed areas.
Residential living and recreational use in the area present innumerable ignition sources. Debris
burning, discarded cigarettes, children playing with matches, fireworks, roadway fires, and camp
fires are just a few of the countless potential human ignition sources in the area. Power line fires
resulting from tree contact can also spark fires, especially during windy conditions. The high
proportion of non-resident visitors in the area adds to overall risk. Non-residents are unlikely to
be aware of local fire danger conditions and are more likely to unknowingly use fire during
restricted periods during the summer. The abundance of human and natural ignition sources
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and the nature of fuels in the area increase the probability of wildland fire in this geographic
area.
4.4.2.3.1.2 Ingress-Egress
Hazards associated with fuel conditions and the high densities of homes in the area are
compounded by issues associated with emergency vehicle access. Many of the residences
along the Lake are accessed via narrow, single-lane, unimproved roads that are inaccessible to
all but the smallest emergency vehicles. Many access roads and driveways are lined with
mature trees that are spaced so closely that access is prohibited. Many other access roads are
steep, with non-existent or inadequate turn-around areas for emergency vehicles. The inability
of emergency resources to safely access and egress a structure or group of structures
precludes suppression resources from engagement. This situation becomes much more serious
during the summer months, when adjacent forest fuels dry and are capable of sustaining
ignition.
There has been significant effort in signing of roads and numbering of houses, facilitating
emergency response. However, many smaller roads and drives that access multiple homes
remain unsigned, and large portions of the homes along the lake remain unnumbered.
Roads in the newer, planned subdivisions have been constructed wide enough to accommodate
emergency vehicles, with either loop roads or cul-de-sacs with wide turning radii. Most observed
roads were of grades suitable for emergency vehicles, with some exceptions. Most new roads
are well signed, and most homes have been numbered.
4.4.2.3.1.3 Infrastructure
Electricity in the area is provided largely by aboveground power lines. The unplanned
development in this area has led to an abundance of overhead wires throughout much of the
lake area, many of which are in direct contact with tree limbs. The abundance of overhead
utilities and maturing trees dramatically increases the potential for downed power lines and
arcing. This creates safety hazards to the public as well as to emergency resources. In newer
developments, the vast majority of utilities are buried, alleviating many of these problems.
There are three surface water resources near Payette Lake that enhance the nine ground water
sources that provide water to residences in the area. Ground water wells are generally
protected from the effects of wildland fire; however, surface water utilities could potentially be
heavily damaged. The loss of vegetation in a watershed could lead to rapid runoff of surface
water, sedimentation, and contamination of the water source.
4.4.2.3.1.4 Fire Protection
Structural and wildland fire protection is provided by the McCall Fire Protection District. Wildland
protection on adjacent IDL and Boise Corporation land is provided by SITPA. The USDA Forest
Service also provides wildland fire protection in the area. Fire hydrants are available only within
the city limits of McCall. This leaves the majority of the east shore un-serviced by hydrants.
Many subdivisions have installed varying numbers of dry hydrants for emergency use water.
These water sources are imperative during times of need. However, the water supply from
these sources is finite and may be inadequate during large fire events.
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4.4.2.3.1.5 Community Risk Assessment
There are multiple infrastructure, vegetation, and home construction characteristics that virtually
ensure loss of structures in the event of a wildfire ignition in this area. Community design
attributes that expose this area to significant risk include issues associated with emergency
vehicle access; design and materials used in home construction, availability and effectiveness
of fire protection resources, among others.
The developed land on the shores of Payette Lake represent the highest risk areas in Valley
County. The density of homes in such a heavily forested environment present significant
wildland-urban interface concerns. Many homes have been constructed on parcels less than
one tenth of one acre, resulting in densities that match or exceed those typically found on city
blocks. In an attempt to remain secluded and maintain the "wilderness" character of the area,
native trees and brush of all species grow in close proximity to provide effective visual screens
from nearby neighbors. The probability of fire moving from a home to native fuels, then to an
adjacent home is quite high. During extreme fire weather conditions, such a scenario would
likely end with catastrophic results. The potential for loss of highly valuable homes along the
Lake cannot be overemphasized.
Forest fuels in the residential areas to the east of Warren Wagon road along Payette Drive and
the smaller drives and lanes are thick, with abundant ladder fuels. The vast majority of homes
accessed from the Lick Creek Road lack a defensible space and have significant access issues.
These conditions are particularly evident in the Pilgrim Cove-Shady Lane area, as well as
further north along the homes accessed via Beech Way. The threat posed by ignitions
originating within the residential area is at least as great as that posed by fire spreading to
homes from adjacent wildlands. There is little to no defensible space around the majority of the
homes in this area. The abundance of moss and ladder fuels increases the probability of tree
torching, potentially leading to spotting and aerial fire spread.
As mentioned previously, many homes have been built with non-combustible roofing material,
Although use of fire-resistant roofing material can significantly reduce the ignition potential of a
home, use of combustible material in construction of a deck or for siding can significantly
increase the ignitability of a home. In keeping with the character of a forested setting, many
homes have been constructed with flammable wood materials. Although the use of natural
materials may enhance the aesthetic quality of the home site, use of such materials entails an
increase in fire risk. This potential is further increased when firewood and other flammable
materials are stored under or beside the structure. This scenario was observed on many
homesites during field visits.
Recent and Planned Subdivisions include Kings Pines Estates, Meadow Lake Estates and
Spring Mountain Ranch.
The recent boom in the popularity of McCall is most vividly manifested in the surge in
development in the greater McCall area. Many large land parcels have recently been subdivided
into lots of varying size. The planning of these communities has enabled city, county and
emergency response officials to require construction standards in order to obtain the necessary
building permits. This has alleviated many of the issues common to the unregulated
development around the Payette Lake shore.
The subdivisions that have been constructed in forested areas have treated the native
vegetation to some degree. Forest structure within Kings Pines Estates, Meadow Lake Estates
and Spring Mountain Ranch has been altered enough to significantly reduce the risk of crown
fire development, as trees are widely spaced. However, the properties along the fringes of these
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subdivisions are adjacent to continuous forest fuels. These conditions can pose a threat to
properties that have not broken the fuel continuity between the wildlands and the house parcels.
Although the potential for development of high intensity wildfires have been significantly reduced
by vegetative treatments in many areas, many homes still lack a defensible space. In many
cases, homeowners have chosen to keep tree densities highest in the immediate vicinity of the
home in order to maintain some degree of visual screen from the roadways. Often times, tree
density is highest within a short radius of the home. Such conditions leave homes at risk from
wildfire.
Most observed homes were constructed with metal roofing material or with fire resistant
composite shingles. Many homes are of log or exposed wood exteriors, with wooden decks that
often extend out into wildland fuels. This combination of flammable siding and decking material
puts these homes at risk to loss from wildland fire.
4.4.2.3.1.6 Mitigation Activities
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents of Valley
County must be made aware that home defensibility starts with the home. Once a fire has
started and is moving toward homes or other valued resources, the probability of that structure
surviving a passing fire front is largely dependent on the structural and landscaping
characteristics of the home. Also of vital importance is the accessibility of the home to
emergency apparatus. If the home cannot be protected safely, firefighting resources will not
jeopardize lives to protect a structure. Thus, the fate of the home will largely be determined by
homeowner actions prior to the event. In many cases, homes' survivability can be greatly
enhanced by following a few simple guidelines that reduce the ignitability of the home.
"Living with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner" is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as
to the steps to take in order to create effective defensible space. Residents of Valley County
should be encouraged to work with local fire departments and fire management agencies within
the county to complete individual homesite evaluations. Home defensibility steps should be
enacted based on the results of these evaluations. Other specific activities are likely to include
improvement of emergency water supplies in areas not served by hydrants and management of
trees and vegetation along power line right-of-ways. Furthermore, building codes and standards
for subdivision development should be expanded to single home construction as well.
The fuels abatement work that has already been completed on state endowment lands will need
to be maintained into the future. Forests are dynamic and ever changing. A program of
monitoring and tending designed to maintain favorable conditions should be initiated and
continued over the long term.
During the public meetings held in association with this wildfire mitigation plan, a
recommendation was made to purchase a fire patrol boat capable of drafting water from Payette
Lake to fill water trucks on shore or to shoot water directly on structures or wildfires near the
beach. The actual ownership of the boats would either be SITPA or the rural fire department.
This type of resource, available during the summer and fall when activities on the lake are
already busy, is seen as a positive tool for preparedness against wildfires in this area.
Establishing dry hydrants in strategic locations around the lake would also help alleviate this
need.
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4.4.2.3.2 Blackhawk Estates Geographic Area
The Blackhawk Estates Geographic Area includes the lands east of Abbott Way to the Payette
River, and south to Smiley Lane, including the Blackhawk Ranch and Blackhawk Estates
Subdivision and Pine Terrace Estates. This geographic area is defined by the sense of
community in the area as well as by the wildland fuels in the area.
This area is characterized by moderate home density, with homes ranging from the modest to
very exclusive. The Blackhawk geographic area is in the relatively early stages of development.
The Blackhawk Development promises to retain the open spaces and wild character by leaving
over half of the land within the area as common areas or as wildlife preserves. Home
construction will be clustered on lots ranging from one to three acres in size. Building in the Pine
Terrace area has been ongoing for a number of years, with homes typically clustered on lots
with an average size of one acre or less.
4.4.2.3.2.1 Fire Potential
This geographic area is a relatively dry environment, dominated by vegetation that tends to cure
in mid summer. The area is also characterized by an abundance of potential ignition sources
from both natural and human causes. Overall, the dry environmental conditions and abundance
of light fuels increases the probability of an ignition source finding a receptive fuel bed and
developing into a wildland range or forest fire.
Fuels Assessment
The area can be described as a combination of high sage meadow interspersed with Iodgepole
and ponderosa pine. Tree densities increase in draws and along drainage bottoms or wherever
moisture becomes more abundant. Lodgepole pine is common along cool air drainages and
cool, moist pockets. Ponderosa pine becomes more dominant on warm aspects and west of
West Mountain Road around Blackhawk Lake. Forest vegetation patterns shift in the vicinity of
the lake, where more abundant moisture supports the growth of mixed species stands, including
Douglas-fir, larch and ponderosa pine as well as an understory vegetation community.
Drying and curing is most rapid in the open areas where conditions allow for rapid drying of light
grass and sage surface fuels by the effect of direct sun and wind. Fires in light fuel types tend to
burn with rapid rates of spread, especially when driven by gusty winds. Under summertime
conditions with a 20-mile per hour wind, fires in grass and sage dominated areas can burn over
3,000 acres in a one-hour. Although these fires can spread rapidly, they do not burn with the
same intensity as fires fueled by dense forest conditions. The moderate intensities and light
fuels typically present less of a control problem for suppression resources. They also present
less of a hazard for homes and other structures within these fuels if fire resistant materials have
been used in home construction and defensible space has been created prior to a fire event.
Areas dominated by ponderosa pine tend to be quite dry as well, as south and west aspects
increase the drying effect of the sun and the wind. Light grass fuels and the abundance of pine
needles cast from overstory trees increases fine fuel loads along the forest floor. Fires in the dry
ponderosa pine and mixed species forests tend to burn at reduced rates of spread relative to
open areas. If regular forest tending has kept surface fuel loading and ladder fuels to a
minimum, fires in this forest type will generally remain on the surface. Light grass and pine
needles burn at Iow intensities, with occasional flare-ups in isolated areas of higher fuel
accumulation. However, if heavy surface fuel loads and abundant understory regeneration is
present, fires in these dry forest types can burn at high intensities, leading to torching of large
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mature trees. These conditions present significant control problems for suppression resources
and can pose a significant threat to homes in the fire path.
In draws and cool air drainages where Iodgepole pine densities increase, shading and the
reduced effect of wind helps to hold moisture a bit longer into the season. The compact needle
litter under closed stands of Iodgepole generally supports slow-burning surface fires. However,
under extreme weather conditions fires in these fuel types can present significant control
problems. Individual and group tree torching, large flame lengths, development of crown fire,
and long-range spotting can easily overwhelm suppression forces, posing significant threat to
homes and other infrastructure in the area. Although such fires are typically infrequent, 100+
year events, occurrences can lead to widespread loss of homes and other structures if
precautionary measures have not been taken in advance.
Ignition Profile
Human habitation and use in the area significant adds to the overall ignition profile. Natural
ignition sources from summertime lightning storms are quite; however, lightning strikes in light
fuels are frequently quickly extinguished if any precipitation accompanies the storm. Natural
ignitions are more common in forested areas, where trees and downed woody fuels are able to
sustain fire during precipitation events, emerging hours or days later when surface fuels again
dry.
Human ignitions contribute significantly to the probability of fires in this area. Residential living
and recreational use in the area present innumerable ignition sources. Debris burning,
discarded cigarettes, children playing with matches, fireworks, roadway fires, and camp fires are
just a few of the countless potential human ignition sources in the area. Power line fires
resulting from tree contact can also spark fires, especially during windy conditions.
The abundance of human and natural ignition sources and the dry nature of fuels in the area
increase the probability of wildland fire. Fire characteristics will depend on fuel types and fuel
moisture as well as on weather conditions at the time of ignition. Fires during periods of drought
with high temperatures, Iow humidity and strong winds can quickly lead to fast-moving,
destructive wildfires regardless of whether the event occurs in forest or rangeland fuels.
4.4.2.3.2.2 Ingress and Egress
Overall, access and egress within this geographic area is considered to be fair to good. Roads
within the area have generally been constructed in a manner adequate for access by
emergency vehicles. Road signs and house numbers are present as well, facilitating emergency
response. Most homes are accessed via Iccp roads or short cul-de-sacs with large turning radii.
Forest vegetation along roadways generally does not pose a significant problem, as corridors
tend to be relatively wide. The abundance of well-maintained roads in the area provides
adequate access and egress in most areas.
There are some individual exceptions in the area, specifically in the Pine Terrace area. Some
driveways are narrow and surrounded by dense vegetation. Although driveways tend to be
short, the dense vegetation and narrow right-fo-way can pose significant dangers for
suppression resources. These conditions may preclude engagement by emergency resources
and may cut-off escape by landowners caught off guard by rapidly advancing wildfire. The
density of homes in the area may lead to bottlenecks and slow access and egress in the event
of an unexpected evacuation.
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4.4.2.3.2.3 Infrastructure
Most homes in the area are serviced via underground utilities, reducing the probability of power
line-related fires. There are aboveground wires running along roads in the Pine Terrace area.
Vegetation in the vicinity of these power lines needs to be managed in order to avoid contact
with overhead wires.
4.4.2,3.2.4 Fire Protection
The McCall Fire Protection District provides structural fire protection in the majority of this
geographic area, including all portions of the Blackhawk Development. Donnelly RFD provides
structure protection in the southern third of the geographic area. Wildland fire protection is
provided by mutual agreement between McCall Fire Protection District, Donnelly Rural Fire
Department, and SITPA.
There are no municipal water sources in the Blackhawk Estates geographic area; thus,
homeowners obtain water through personal wells.
4.4.2.3.2.5 Community Risk Assessment
The majority of homes in this geographic area are at moderate risk from the effects of wildland
fire. Many homes in the Blackhawk area were constructed with fire-safe material and generally
maintain an adequate defensible space. These building and landscaping techniques should be
encouraged into the future.
Significant work has been completed to abate the wildland fuel hazard to the community.
Commercial and pre-commercial treatments have helped to reduce ladder fuels and reduce tree
density, increasing forest vigor and reducing potential for high intensity wildland fire. Lands west
of the Blackhawk area have also been well managed and maintained by Boise Corporation as
private industrial timberlands. Land management practices and hazard fuel treatments have
created forested conditions that facilitate suppression operations. Furthermore, road access
within the area reduces initial attack times for ground-based resources.
Homes in the Pine Terrace are generally area reasonably defensible, although there are a
number of homes surrounded by young trees and flammable vegetation serving as visual
screens. The desire for visual screening can significantly increase the probability of home
ignition if not managed in consideration of wildland fire.
4.4.2.3.2.6 Mitigation Activities
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents of Valley
County must be made aware that home defensibility starts with the home. Once a fire has
started and is moving toward homes or other valued resources, the probability of that structure
surviving a passing fire front is largely dependent on the structural and landscaping
characteristics of the home. Also of vital importance is the accessibility of the home to
emergency apparatus. If the home cannot be protected safely, firefighting resources will not
jeopardize lives to protect a structure. Thus, the fate of the home will largely be determined by
homeowner actions prior to the event. In many cases, homes' survivability can be greatly
enhanced by following a few simple guidelines that reduce the ignitability of the home.
"Living with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner" is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as
to the steps to take in order to create an effective defensible space. Residents of Valley County
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 105
should be encouraged to work with local fire departments and fire management agencies within
the county to complete individual homesite evaluations. Home defensibility steps should be
enacted based on the results of these evaluations.
The fuels abatement work that has already been completed in the Blackhawk vicinity will need
to be maintained into the future. Forests are dynamic and ever changing. A program of
monitoring and tending designed to maintain favorable conditions should be initiated and
continued over the long term.
4.4.2.3.3 Jughandle Geographic Area
The Jughandle Geographic Area includes the area east of Farm to Market Road, to the SITPA
protection boundary, south to Paddy Flat Road. This area becomes more timbered east of Farm
to Market Road as elevation begins to increase and grasslands give way to continuous timber.
The timbered areas are also favored building locations for Valley County residents, with high
population densities in a number of planned and unplanned subdivisions throughout the area.
4.4.2.3.3.1 Fire Potential
This geographic area supports consistent and continuous forestlands east of Farm to Market
Road, with forest vegetation following the moisture gradient associated with elevation and
aspect. The lowest elevations immediately to the east of Farm to Market Road support light
grass fuels. Low elevation forests are generally drier and more fire prone due to the
predominantly west exposure of the area. These forest types also tend to coincide with
residential development, increasing the potential for urban interface fire events.
Fuels Assessment
Vegetation within the Jughandle Geographic Area transitions from grass rangelands to open
pine stands on the lowest south and west slopes, to mixed pine and fir as elevation increases.
Fuels in this area tend to be somewhat fire prone, due to the dry aspect and the abundance of
fuels in the understory. Historically, these forest types were "fire maintained," with frequent, Iow
intensity fires clearing fuels from the forest floor and maintaining well-spaced forest stands.
However, management actions in many of the residential forests over the past decades has
resulted in areas with multi-layered forest structure and abundant ladder fuels. These conditions
increase the potential for fires to move from the surface to overstory trees. Furthermore, fires
burn with much greater intensity and are difficult to control; potentially posing a significant threat
to lives and property.
The level of residential forest management within this area is quite varied. Some forests have
been well managed, with little fuel accumulations, while other forest owners have chosen
passive management, allowing for development of continuous vertical and horizontal fuels.
As elevation and aspect increase available moisture, forest composition transitions to moister
habitat types. Increases in moisture keep forest fuels unavailable to burn for longer periods
during the summer. This increases the time between fire events, resulting in varying degrees of
fuel accumulation. When these fuels do become available to burn, they typically burn in mosaic
pattern at mid elevations, where accumulations of forest fuels result in either single or group
tree torching, and in some instances, short crown fire runs. At the highest elevations, fire events
are typically stand replacing, as years of fuel accumulation fuel large, intense wildfire.
Ignition Profile
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Natural ignitions become increasingly probable with increasing elevation and timber. Down
strikes in timbered areas are more likely to ignite large woody fuels capable of sustaining fire
during brief rain events than in the light range fuels within Long Valley.
The ignition profile is also significantly augmented by concentrated human use in this
geographic area. Residential living and recreational use in the area present innumerable ignition
sources. Debris burning, discarded cigarettes, children playing with matches, fireworks,
roadway fires, and camp fires are just a few of the countless potential human ignition sources in
the area. Power line fires resulting from tree contact can also spark fires, especially during
windy conditions.
The abundance of human and natural ignition sources and the drier nature of grass and forest
fuels in the area increase the probability of wildland fire in this geographic area. Once ignited,
fire characteristics will depend on fuel types and fuel moisture as well as on weather conditions
at the time of ignition. Fires during periods of drought with high temperatures, Iow humidity and
strong winds can quickly lead to fast-moving, destructive wildfires in any type of fuel.
4.4.2.3.3.2 Ingress and Egress
Road access within this geographic area ranges from very good to very poor. Ingress and
egress routes tend to deteriorate in areas of concentrated development, particularly in the
Jughandle Subdivision as well as to homes in the Boulder Creek area. Steep roads and lack of
alternate escape routes complicates both emergency response and evacuation. One way in,
one way out roads in the Jughandle Estates area pose can pose additional risks to suppression
resources and homeowners.
4.4.2.3.3.3 Infrastructure
Many homes in the area are serviced by aboveground utilities. Most power lines are
immediately east of Farm to Market Road are clear of trees and limbs along the roadways.
However, the incidence of limb contact is likely to be highest in the immediate vicinity of the
home, as many homes have been built in patches of timber. This is particularly true in
Jughandle Estates, where tree density increases. Fires resulting from power line contact are
most likely during wind events, which can also serve to fan fires.
There is one municipal ground water source in the Jughandle geographic area; however, some
residents may have personal wells or obtain water from municipal wells in neighboring
geographic areas.
4.4.2.3.3.4 Fire Protection
McCall Fire Protection District provides structural fire protection in the northern portion of the
area, with Donnelly RFD providing protection to areas south of Lake Fork and Jughandle
Estates. Wildland fire protection is by mutual agreement between McCall RFD and SITPA. The
USDA Forest Service also provides wildland fire protection. Ground-based initial attack times
can be quite long in the area to the east of Jughandle Estates due to poor road access.
4.4.2.3.3.5 Community Risk Assessment
This geographic area is at moderate risk to wildland fire. Risk is elevated in residential forest
areas, particularly in those forest areas that have not been managed in regard to wildland fire.
Risk is also elevated in forested areas that have been subdivided, namely Jughandle Estates.
The combination of steep slopes, thick forest fuels, and drier forest habitat type significantly
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increases the potential for fire to become established and spread upslope through the
subdivision. The steep and windy access roads, many of which are one way in-one way out,
ending with cul-de-sacs with turning radii that would not accommodate large emergency
vehicles, also elevate the fire hazard.
Many homes have been built with large wooden porches that extend out over dry slopes
covered by cured native fuels. In some cases firewood is being stacked under porches or
adjacent to homes with flammable siding, significantly increasing the threat of loss to homes.
Furthermore, there did not appear to be sufficient water supplies for structural protection
throughout the subdivision.
Although many homes are at elevated risk to wildland fire, many other residents in the area
have been implementing hazardous fuels treatments to protect their homes. Through
encouragement from the homeowners association and through the auspices of the National Fire
Plan, many individual home assessments have been completed, and many have reduced risk to
their homes by adopting firewise landscaping techniques and limbing and thinning of many of
the trees in the immediate vicinity of the home.
Additionally, the State of Idaho is actively managing endowment lands to the north of the
Jughandle area and planning additional sales to the north and east of the subdivision. The State
and SITPA have taken additional precautions in treating and disposing of natural and harvest
activity fuels in the area in an effort to protect both the endowment lands and private residential
lands.
4.4.2.3.3.6 Mitigation Activities
Once a fire has started and is moving toward homes or other valued resources, the probability
of that structure surviving a passing fire front is largely dependent on the structural and
landscaping characteristics of the home. Also of vital importance is the accessibility of the home
to emergency apparatus. If the home cannot be protected safely, firefighting resources will not
jeopardize lives to protect a structure. Thus, the fate of the home will largely be determined by
homeowner actions prior to the event. In many cases, homes' survivability can be greatly
enhanced by following a few simple guidelines that reduce the ignitability of the structure.
Continued expansion and implementation of a defensible space program within Jughandle
Estates will help to reduce the threat to individual homes in the area. "Living with Fire, A Guide
for the Homeowner" is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as to the steps to take in
order to create effective defensible space. Residents of Valley County should be encouraged to
work with local fire departments and fire management agencies within the county to complete
individual homesite evaluations. Home defensibility steps should be enacted based on the
results of these evaluations.
4.4.2.3.4 Donnelly Geographic Area
The Donnelly Geographic Area includes the community of Donnelly and all areas west of
Highway 55 to Cascade Reservoir, south from Smiley Road to Highway 55 milepost 121. Within
this area are four discrete areas of residential development that have characteristics that
significantly contribute to urban interface risk. These areas include the Day Star Road area, the
Wagon Wheel area, Dawn Drive, and areas accessed via Norwood road. Poor ingress and
egress, thick forest fuels, and the lack of defensible space around many homes contributes
significantly to risk of both people and homes in these areas.
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4.4.2.3.4.1 Fire Potential
Forested vegetation within this area tends to be concentrated along the lakeshore, shifting to
grass and grazed and non-grazed pastureland further away from the lakeshore. Residential
development is concentrated in these forested areas with very high housing densities.
Fuels Assessment
Many of the timbered areas along Cascade Reservoir are dominated by heavily overstocked,
even-aged stands of Iodgepole pine or mixed pine-fir and spruce with heavy concentrations of
dead and downed surface material in some areas. Under normal to moist conditions with little
wind, fires in these fuel types would move quite slowly due to the compact needle mat, shading,
and lack of light grass surface fuels. Intensities would increase when fuel jackpots are
encountered, resulting in isolated torching. Under such conditions, fire suppression resources
would likely be successful in controlling the fire before any significant damage occurs. However,
during periods of hot, dry and windy weather, fires in these Iodgepole forests can quickly erupt
into high intensity, destructive fires with frequent torching and possible crown fire development.
The predominant southwest winds in the area expose the north and east shore to wind
conditions that can contribute to development of high intensity, uncontrollable wildland fire.
Grasslands and native meadow vegetation outside the forested areas present hazards as well.
Many of these grass dominated areas have historically been irrigated or used as pasture land,
which helps to reduce fine fuel loads. However, in recent years, many of these areas have not
been grazed, due to subdivision development and changing land use patterns. The extended
availability of these fuels and the rapid rates of spread associated with consistent grass fuel
beds increases the potential for fast moving fires to burn at moderate intensities with large flame
lengths.
Ignition Profile
The ignition profile in this area is significantly augmented by concentrated human use in
residential and recreational areas along Cascade Reservoir. Although lightning strikes are not
uncommon throughout Long Valley, human ignitions are much more probable in this area,
posing a significantly elevated risk.
Residential living and recreational use in the area aresent innumerable ignition sources. Debris
burning, discarded cigarettes, children playing with matches, fireworks, roadway fires, and camp
fires along the reservoir shore are just a few of the countless potential human ignition sources in
the area. Recreational use associated with the large camp grounds off Norwood Road
contributes to the ignition profile. Additionally, power line fires resulting from tree contact are
also probable in this area, as many overhead wires are closely adjacent to or touching tree
limbs. The potential for a power line fire is greatest during windy conditions, when down tree
limbs are likely to cause arcing and strong gusts are able to push fire through dry fuels.
The abundance of human and natural ignition sources and the dry nature of fuels in the area
increase the probability of wildland fire in this geographic area. Fire characteristics will depend
on fuel types and fuel moisture as well as on weather conditions at the time of ignition. Fires
during periods of drought with high temperatures, Iow humidity and strong winds can quickly
lead to fast-moving, destructive wildfires in any fuel type.
4.4.2.3.4.2 Ingress and Egress
Ingress and egress are of particular concern in this area, as many of the residential roads are
one way in, one way out and dead-end at the Reservoir. Many of these access roads are also
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overtopped with forest fuels, potentially jeopardizing safe entry or exit for suppression and
civilian traffic.
Ingress and egress issues are of greatest concern on the small peninsula accessed via Dawn
Drive. This windy, narrow, rolling road is the only access to developments along the lakeshore.
The road is also surrounded by heavy timber, leading to the potential for road access to become
compromised in the event of a fire. Dawn Drive is inadequate to handle rapid evacuation of the
homes in the area. Furthermore, the lack of clear and understandable signing in the area can
lead to long emergency response times.
Tamarack Falls Road and West Roseberry Road provide two escape routes from the Norwood
Road area. The Wagon Wheel area has numerous short, dead-end roads that do not provide
alternate escape routes for many residents in the area. Loomis Lane provides the only access
to Highway 55 for the entire area. The lack of an alternate escape route increases the potential
for bottlenecks and traffic delays in the event of a wildland fire. This will slow response and
escape times for fleeing residents.
Homes accessed by Day Star Road and Lee Way only have one ingress-egress route as well.
Day Star Road has been gated at the southern end of the subdivision. This reduces available
travel routes to and from the area, potentially leading to delay and increased risk exposure for
residents and suppression resources.
4.4.2.3.4.3 Infrastructure
A high voltage Idaho Power transmission line does pass to the east of Donnelly and south
through a portion of this geographic area. Steel power line construction generally reduces the
potential for these support structures to be impacted by wildland fire. However, there are
numerous aboveground power lines that supply power to homes throughout the geographic
area. In many cases, these lines are in close proximity or in contact with surrounding trees;
thus, increasing the potential for downed lines to spark fires. Additionally, the poles are
frequently of wood construction, which could by consumed in a fire causing loss of power to
wells and contributing to the risk of residents and fire suppression personnel.
There are eleven ground water sources serving residents in the Donnelly geographic area.
These utilities are not likely to be seriously affected by wildland fire.
4.4.2.3.4.4 Fire Protection
Donnelly Rural Fire Department provides structural fire protection throughout this geographic
area, with wildland protection provided by SITPA.
4.4.2.3.4.5 Community Risk Assessment
Overall, the homes and developments in the forested areas along Lake Cascade are at
heightened risk of structural loss from wildland fire. These clusters of residences are commonly
nestled into stands of thick timber on dead end roads. The ignition risk imposed by human use
in these areas is quite high, increasing the chance of fires in the area. The high proportion of
absentee landowners in this area increases the likelihood of misuse of fire, as many folks
coming for the weekend may be unaware of fire restrictions in the area.
The concentration of resources in this area significantly increases the potential for loss. Travel
routes are of primary concern. One-way in, one-way out access roads are not only dangerous
for firefighters, they also increase the likelihood of residents becoming trapped. In many cases,
homes are located on small, timbered lots very close together. The lack of a defensible space
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around each home increases its likelihood of ignition by oncoming wildfires or adjacent house
fires. Residences throughout the communities are almost exclusively constructed with wood
siding and decks; thus, further increasing their risk of ignition.
4.4.2.3.4.5.1 Sage Meadow Estates
This subdivision is located on a small peninsula on the north end of Lake Cascade. South
Norwood Road provides the primary access into the area; however, this and several other side
roads dead end near the waterfront. These homes have been built very close together with thick
Iodgepole pine and other shrubs intermixed. Most residences have been constructed with wood
siding and decks, but most have either metal or composite roofing. Primary ignition sources are
related to human use. During severe weather and drought conditions, it is possible for human
caused fire to quickly spread to a home, moving between homes and the wildland. This could
lead to widespread loss and possible compromising of the escape route.
4.4.2.3.4.5.2 Hill House Loop
Hill House Loop is a short loop road off Rainbow Point Road on the north shore of Lake
Cascade. Lodgepole pine has become very thick between houses and along the roadway. The
primary fire concern for residents is a fire starting in the vicinity of a home, spreading through
the timber and threatening other homes and lives. This is an older subdivision with a variety of
manufactured homes in addition to homes built using vinyl or wood siding.
4.4.2.3.4.5.3 Dawn Drive and Westside RV Park
Dawn Drive is a dead end road leading south from West Roseberry Road onto a small
peninsula on the northern shore of Lake Cascade. Westside RV Park is located at the junction
of these two roadways. There are both older and newer homes scattered along Dawn Drive,
most of which have wood siding and decking. These homes have been built very close together
with "dog-hair" Iodgepole pine growing between homes and beginning to crowd the roadway.
The RV park is also very full. Besides trailers, there are numerous other vehicles, wood piles,
and other items, intermingled with thick, small diameter Iodgepole pine. As mentioned
previously, travel routes to and from this area are severely limited, increasing the probability of
entrapment of residents or fire suppression personnel. Due to heavy fuels, lack of an alternate
escape route, and little to no defensible spaces around homes, this area is a high risk area for
an urban interface fire.
4.4.2.3.4,5.4 Day Star Road
There is a small subdivision on the northeast shore of Lake Cascade accessed by Day Star
Lane off the old State Highway 15. The Gold Fork River to the north, and Lake Cascade to the
west, borders this area. Ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce, grand fir, and Douglas-fir surround
these homes. However, it is apparent that efforts have recently been made to reduce the fuels
and create adequate defensible spaces by thinning the trees around some homes and on
unsold lots. Additionally, many of the residences are situated on fairly large lots, which decrease
the likelihood of a fire spreading from home to home. Day Star Lane is a thru road; however, it
has been gated at the southern end of the subdivision.
4.4.2.3.4.6 Mitigation Activities
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents within
this geographic area must be made aware of the characteristics that increase interface risk in
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the area. Residents should be encouraged to work with local fire departments and fire
management agencies within the county to complete individual homesite evaluations. "Living
with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner" is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as to the
steps to take in order to create an effective defensible space. Home defensibility steps should
be enacted based on the results of these evaluations.
Development of a community evacuation plan is necessary to assure an orderly evacuation in
the event of a threatening wildland fire. Designation and posting of escape route signage would
reduce chaos and escape times for fleeing residents. Because of the exceptionally poor access
in the Dawn Drive area, a community safety zone should also be established in the event of
compromised evacuation. Efforts should be made to educate homeowners through existing
homeowners associations or creation of such organizations to act as conduits for this
information.
An interagency emergency fire plan should also be developed and adopted in order to increase
efficiency and reduce potential for entrapment of suppression resources. Clear lines of
communication should be ensured and exact suppression responsibilities should be assigned.
The poor access to some areas increases the risk of bottlenecks developing from responding
emergency resources. Mass mobilization of suppression resources in the Dawn Drive area in
particular could potentially result in catastrophic consequences in the event of a high intensity,
rapidly spreading wildland fire.
4.4.2.3.5 Tamarack Geographic Area
The Tamarack Geographic Area includes the area from the No Business Road and West
Mountain Road junction, south to the Donnelly RFD protection Boundary, west of Cascade
Reservoir to County Line. Interface issues will likely develop over time, as increased
development inside and outside of the Tamarack Resort area draw more people and more
residential growth in the area.
The Tamarack Resort will be the largest concentration of resources in this geographic area.
Tamarack is a four-season resort, offering cross-country and downhill skiing, golfing, mountain
biking, and a variety of water sports on Lake Cascade. As of the winter 2003-2004, Tamarack
Resort has several structures completed on site. Three, 30-foot diameter yurts, two 70-foot by
30-foot modular office buildings, a 1,800-square-foot Mountain Control Building and a 1,200
square-foot winter-storage structure for two snow cats. A 1,100-square-foot building to house
the Trailhead Caf6 was recently completed, along with two model home products - a 1,200-
square-foot cottage and an 1,800-square-foot chalet.
On tap for construction in the summer of 2004 will be 42 cottages and chalets, a four-story,
60,000-square-foot Members Lodge for the Club at Tamarack, seven buildings to support alpine
skiing operations in the winter of 2004-2005, and approximately 25-40 private residences.
In the fall of 2003, all of the major roads were built at Tamarack, and the utilities were installed
underneath the roadways. Road construction standards and road layout will provide adequate
emergency access to homes. Most roads will be interconnected or loop roads, provide safe and
easy access to homes. Since nearly all construction will take place on relatively fiat to rolling
terrain, there will be a few large hills or grades to be negotiated by emergency vehicles.
Water will be supplied by three wells, one of which is a primary and two auxiliary wells. Multiple
creeks and streams also provide drafting opportunities.
It is assured that Tamarack Resort will have far reaching affects on Valley County, drawing an
increasing number of visitors and seasonal residents. Within this geographic area, significant
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development along the lakeshore and within the private lands on the lower flanks of West
Mountain can be expected. Thus impacts to the area will not be isolated to the resort area, but
will likely spread to the north and south as well.
4.4.2.3.5.1 Fire Potential
Fuels Assessment
The forest structure and the majority of native vegetation within the base area of Tamarack have
been modified in preparation of continuing construction. Prior to modification, forest composition
in the base area was comprised of a mix of ponderosa pine, western larch, and mixed grand fir
and Douglas-fir, with some aspen. The trees and patches of forest remaining in areas to be
developed as home sites are generally well spaced, with high crowns and few ladder fuels.
Numerous roads, cross-country ski trails and hiking trails effectively disrupt the continuity of
fuels in the base area, providing multiple firebreaks. Furthermore, most of the area to be
developed is rolling, with few steep aspects that would increase the potential for rapid fire
spread. In general, it appears as much of the fuels hazard within the base has been reduced
through timber harvest and other forestry practices completed prior to building construction.
Beyond the village area, the cutting of the ski runs has disrupted the fuel continuity in the alpine
ski area. The ski runs act to isolate pockets of timber and forest fuels from one another,
providing effective firebreaks and opportunities for suppression resources in the event of
wildland fire within the ski area.
The Boise National Forest administers lands to the north and west of the village. The lower
portion of the National Forest has good road access in the unlikely occurrence of wildland fire.
The forest habitat type of the BNF land is classified as wet Douglas-fir and grand fir, which are
indicative of an infrequent fire regime. The likelihood of a lightning-caused wildfire in this area is
Iow. If a fire were to occur in this area, it would most likely start near the ridgetop along the
lightening belt far above the road system and the resort. Fire spread would most generally be
upslope. Downslope fire spread would be less likely than upslope, and if it were to occur, the
road system would offer some deterrent to spread and aid in containment efforts.
The most likely way that a wildfire would occur in the area near the forest boundary would be a
human-caused fire that could be triggered by a careless camper, sparks from an ATV,
motorcycle or chain saw, or a cigarette. Some stands of Douglas-fir and grand fir forest in this
area are very densely stocked. If a human-caused fire occurred in late summer or early fall
when annual forest conditions are the driest, there is a possibility that torching and crowning
could occur in densely stocked stands. It is not likely that a running crown fire would eventuate
unless there was a strong wind present to push the fire to the east and there was an extended
drought period preceding the fire start.
At present time, the overall wildland fire risk to the resort is Iow and future fuels treatments on
the BNF administered lands will be considered. At the time of this plan, Forest Plan direction
calls for fuels treatments to be focused on and around Communities at Risk. Since overall
wildland fire risk to the resort is Iow, fuels treatments in this area will not be a high priority or the
primary focus. Tamarack Resort officials would like to minimize the risk that a human-caused
fire could pose to the Tamarack community by thinning national forest land immediately to the
west of the resort. Resort officials hope that national forest officials will develop a project for this
work in the foreseeable future.
Community Risk Assessment
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The overall wildland fire threat to Tamarack resort appears to be quite Iow. Since the majority of
building and construction has yet to occur, it is difficult to say in definitive terms as to the true
potential for loss to wildland fire. However, resort planners have designed a master plan that will
provide for emergency accessibility and the necessary water supply infrastructure for the
community. The rolling terrain that characterized the village area and the continuation of firewise
forestry practices prior and during home construction will maintain the overall threat to the
community at a Iow level.
Development of this magnitude could certainly strain local emergency services. Tamarack
Resort will apply for grants to finance the construction and equipping of a new fire station to be
located at the resort to provide quick and timely emergency response to the community. A new
station also would assist in expanding the boundary of the Donnelly Fire District to cover some
homes along West Mountain Road to the south of the resort that are currently not covered by
fire protection district.
Potential Mitigation Activities
Since few permanent structures are as of yet complete, planners and developers have the
greatest opportunity to maintain Iow level of risk throughout the community. Resort officials
should emphasize the use of Fire-Wise construction materials in building construction materials
throughout the community. Fire-wise should be a requirement, not an option and no matter
where the property is located. This will help maintain the Iow fire hazard rating.
Resort officials are also encouraged to continue treating native forest fuels around home sites to
remove the hazard before development occurs. Fire-wise construction guidelines and treating
native fuels around homes should be a requirement, not an option. The practices remove the
potential fire hazard reducing the chance, if fire were to occur, the loss of the home.
Educate property owners about maintaining a 150' defensible space around homes by thinning
trees to a spacing of 25 feet (or until there is a minimum distance of 20 feet between crowns),
pruning branches 17 feet above ground (or 50% of live crown, whichever is less), and keeping
the area clear of surface fuels and flammable objects such as wood piles by providing all buyers
with information pamphlets when they purchase a home or property in Tamarack.
Landscaping techniques employed should utilize Iow-flammability vegetation and establishment
of green areas within 50 feet of homes in order to reduce the threat of fire spreading to homes
from the wildland.
The two statements above should be included in a set of standards for homes being built in
Tamarack. Planning and zoning protocols within Valley County or subdivision covenants would
be an appropriate mechanism. There is a great opportunity at this time, to build a
resort/community that will at completion be far ahead of the game when it comes to fire risk.
The Cascade Ranger District administers the Boise National Forest lands to the North, South
and West of the resort. The area in Poison Creek has been partially harvested in the late 1980's
when the road system was built and 302 acres of timber ground was treated. The area will likely
again see some considerable harvest activity in the scheduled upcoming West Mountain North
timber sale. The combination of these two timber sale entries and the associated road system
will have significantly altered the continued nature and arrangement of the fuels which results in
a reduced risk of wildfire spread. The Boise National Forest Land and Resource Management
Plan directs the management and treatments on National Forest System lands. Prescriptions
and specifications for projects are based on site-specific analysis, when local needs and
objectives are addressed, and any over riding land management direction.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 1 ~4
The forest habitat type for this area is a wet Douglas-fir/Grand Fir reflecting a Fire Regime 5
with infrequent fire return intervals. Fire history in the area is small fires starting near the ridge
top. The last moderately large fire to happen on West Mountain since 1919 was in 1989, when a
90-acre blaze occurred. Local winds also show if a fire were to start in or around the area of the
resort, it would be most likely be pushed up and away from the resort. However, there are no
guarantees when wildfires are burning.
4.4.2.3.5.2 Ingress-Egress
West Mountain Road provides the main travel route for the entire geographic area. Most areas
along the road are in relatively open forest stands or in grassy areas, which reduces the
probability of fire events compromising ingress or egress. Improvements on the Tamarack Falls
Road will increase vehicle capacity, facilitating evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Road construction standards and road layout throughout Tamarack Resort will provide
adequate emergency access to homes. Most roads will be interconnected or loop roads,
providing safe and easy access to homes. Since nearly all construction will take place on
relatively flat to rolling terrain, there will be few large hills or grades to be negotiated by
emergency vehicles.
4.4.2.3.5,3 Infrastructure
Significant infrastructure improvement is currently ongoing along the West Mountain Road
corridor south from Tamarack Falls Road to Tamarack Resort. Significant improvements to the
power delivery system will assure power lines are clear and free of trees and branches.
In the fall of 2003, all of the major roads were built at Tamarack, and the utilities (sewer, water,
electricity, telephone and cable TV) were installed underneath the roadways. Water will be
supplied by three wells, one of which is a primary and two auxiliary wells. Multiple creeks and
streams also provide drafting opportunities.
4.4.2.3.5.4 Fire Protection
Development of this magnitude could certainly strain local emergency services. Tamarack
Resort will apply for grants to finance the construction and equipping of a new fire station to be
located at the resort to provide quick and timely emergency response to the community. A new
station would also assist in expanding the boundary of the Donnelly Fire District to cover some
homes along West Mountain Road to the south of the resort that are currently not covered by a
fire protection district. The expansion of emergency response services will contribute
significantly to the safety of residents in the area.
4.4.2.3.5.5 Community Risk Assessment
The majority of existing structures in this geographic area outside of Tamarack Resort are at
moderate risk to loss from wildland fire. Contributing to this risk is small lot size and vegetative
condition around many of the older homes. Some structures lack defensible space and some
have been built with materials that are not favorable for surviving a wildland fire event. Some
are located in light grass fuels with patchy timber, however many have not taken necessary
precautions in order to maintain an effective visual screen.
Since the majority of building and construction has yet to occur, it is difficult to predict the
potential for loss to wildland fire in definitive terms. However, resort planners have designed a
master plan that will provide for emergency accessibility and the necessary water supply
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 1~5
infrastructure for the community. The rolling terrain that characterizes the village area and the
continuation of firewise forestry practices prior to home construction will maintain the overall
threat to the community at a Iow level.
At present time, the overall wildland fire risk to the resort is Iow and future fuels treatments on
the Boise National Forest administered lands will be considered. At the time of this plan, Forest
Plan direction calls for fuels treatments to be focused on and around Communities at Risk
according to the National Register. Since overall wildland fire risk to the resort is Iow, fuels
treatments in this area will not be a high priority or the primary focus of Boise National Forest
fuels reduction projects. Tamarack Resort officials would like to minimize the risk that a human-
caused fire could pose to the Tamarack community by thinning national forest land immediately
to the west of the resort. Resort officials hope that national forest officials will develop a project
for this work in the foreseeable future.
4.4.2.3.5.6 Mitigation Activities
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents within
this geographic area must be made aware of the characteristics that increase interface risk in
the area. Residents should be encouraged to work with local fire departments and fire
management agencies within the county to complete individual homesite evaluations. "Living
with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner" is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as to the
steps to take in order to create effective defensible space. Home defensibility steps should be
enacted based on the results of these evaluations.
Since few permanent structures are as of yet complete, planners and developers have the
greatest opportunity to maintain Iow level of risk throughout the community. Resort officials
should emphasize the use of firewise building materials in construction throughout the
community. Firewise building codes and landscaping techniques should be a requirement, not
an option, regardless of property location. This will help maintain the Iow fire hazard rating.
Resort officials are also encouraged to continue treating native forest fuels around home sites to
remove the hazard before development occurs. These timber management practices remove
the potential fire hazard reducing the probability of the loss of a structure if fire were to occur.
Educate property owners about maintaining a 150' defensible space around homes by thinning
trees to a spacing of 25 feet (or until there is a minimum distance of 20 feet between crowns),
pruning branches 17 feet above ground (or 50% of live crown, whichever is less), and keeping
the area clear of surface fuels and flammable objects such as wood piles by providing all buyers
with information pamphlets when they purchase a home or property in Tamarack.
Landscaping techniques employed should utilize Iow-flammability vegetation and establishment
of green areas within 50 feet of homes in order to reduce the threat of fire spreading to homes
from the wildland.
Planning and zoning protocols within Valley County or subdivision covenants would be an
appropriate mechanism to enforce strict building codes and landscaping regulations. There is a
great opportunity at this time, to build a resort community that will be far ahead of the game
when it comes to fire risk.
The Cascade Ranger District administers the Boise National Forest lands to the North, South
and West of the resort. 302 acres of timber ground in Poison Creek was partially harvested in
the late 1980's when the road system was built. This general area will likely see more harvest
activity in the upcoming West Mountain North timber sale. The combination of these two timber
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 1 ~6
sales and the associated road system will have significantly altered the nature and arrangement
of the fuels, which results in a reduced risk of wildfire spread. The Boise National Forest Land
and Resource Management Plan directs the management and treatments on National Forest
System lands. Prescriptions and specifications for projects are based on site-specific analysis,
when local needs and objectives are addressed, and any overriding land management direction.
4.4.2.3.6 Osprey Point Geographic Area
Osprey Point Geographic Area includes all areas south of Donnelly RFD protection boundary to
God's Acres and west of Cascade Reservoir to the County line. This geographic area is at
significantly elevated risk because there is no structural fire protection throughout the
geographic area.
4.4.2.3.6.1 Fire Potential
Fuels Assessment
The narrow band of private land between the lake and the National Forest lands along West
Mountain tend to be heavily stocked, with a mix of ponderosa and Iodgepole pine, larch,
Douglas- and grand fir, and spruce. The east aspect reduces solar radiation and increases
available moisture, with dry site species generally restricted to the lowest elevations near the
lakeshore.
Forest types quickly shift to fir and spruce with interspersed Iodgepole pine as moisture
becomes more available. Large fires in mid elevation mixed species stands tend to be relatively
infrequent due to the increased availability of moisture from increased precipitation and shading.
The brush and compact surface fuels under a closed canopy of mixed species stands generally
supports slow-burning surface fires, with flare-ups in areas of concentrated dead and down
fuels. However, under extreme weather conditions fires in these fuel types can present
significant control problems, especially where shade tolerant species create ladder fuels under
the maturing canopy. Individual and group tree torching, large flame lengths, development of
crown fire, and long-range spotting can easily overwhelm suppression forces, posing significant
threat to homes and other infrastructure in the area. Such fires are typically infrequent, 80 to
100 year events. At the highest elevations, large fire occurrence is even more infrequent. When
such events do occur, they tend to burn in an intense, stand-replacing manner, presenting
significant control problems.
Ignition Profile
The ignition profile is significantly augmented by concentrated human use in this geographic
area. Although lightning strikes are not uncommon throughout Long Valley, human ignitions
pose a greater risk to this area. The potential for human ignitions is likely to increase over time,
as residential development continues and road use increases with the overall growth of the
area.
Residential living and recreational use in the area present innumerable ignition sources. Debris
burning, discarded cigarettes, children playing with matches, fireworks, roadway fires, and camp
fires are just a few of the countless potential human ignition sources in the area. Power line fires
resulting from tree contact can also spark fires, especially during windy conditions.
The abundance of human and natural ignition sources and the dry nature of fuels in the area
increase the probability of wildland fire in this geographic area. Fire characteristics will depend
on fuels type and fuel moisture as well as on weather conditions at the time of ignition. Fires
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page
during periods of drought with high temperatures, Iow humidity and strong winds can quickly
lead to fast-moving, destructive wildfires in any fuel type.
4.4.2.3.6.2 Ingress and Egress
West Mountain Road provides a secure and adequate primary travel route from this area. The
development that has occurred in this area has been largely unregulated, with little
consideration of emergency vehicle access requirements or accessibility standards. Many
homes are accessed via steep and narrow dead-end driveways. In many cases, these roads are
not adequate for large emergency vehicles, potentially precluding engagement by suppression
personnel during hazardous fire conditions.
4.4.2.3.6.3 Infrastructure
The residential power lines in the area are primarily above ground, often times interlaced
through tree branches. This increases the probability of fire starts from downed power lines and
also poses safety hazards for emergency personnel.
There is only one municipal groundwater source in the Osprey Point geographic area.
4.4.2.3.6.4 Fire Protection
The residential region of this geographic area currently does not have any organized structural
fire protection; however, the Boise National Forest and SITPA provide wildland protection.
4.4.2.3.6.5 Community Risk Assessment
This area is considered to be at very high risk to wildland fire due to the lack of structural or
wildland fire protection. The lack of initial attack suppression forces significantly increases the
probability of large fire development during dry times of the year. The probability of structural
fires transitioning to wildland fires is significantly increased as well, as delayed response times
may allow for complete involvement of structures and spotting to adjacent wildlands.
Significant mitigation work has taken place in this geographic area. Seventy-six of the 92
landowners in the God's Acres area have created defensible space around their homes.
National Fire Plan Project monies were augmented with the proceeds from commercial timber
sales to offset the defensible space treatment costs. The timber sales also had the added
benefit of reducing tree density and ladder fuels in the areas beyond the home. In total, 35
truckloads of logs were hauled amounting to 113 MBF in commercial timber. To date, 85% of
the planned work has been completed, with only some pruning to be done to complete the
project. The success of the project demonstrates the acceptability of community-based
mitigation treatments. The project also has also helped to raise fire awareness throughout the
area as well as to bring members of the community together into an active, cohesive
homeowners association.
4.4.2.3.6.6 Mitigation Activities
Expansion of district boundaries to provide structural and wildland protection would be a first
step in mitigating wildland fire risk to the area. This should be a priority in the overall County Fire
Mitigation Plan. In the absence of fire protection, homeowners need to take additional
precautions in order to increase the defensibility of their homes and to provide safe travel
routes.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 118
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents within
this geographic area must be made aware of the characteristics that increase interface risk in
the area. Residents should be encouraged to work with local fire departments and fire
management agencies within the county to complete individual homesite evaluations. "Living
with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner" is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as to the
steps to take in order to create an effective defensible space. Home defensibility steps should
be enacted based on the results of these evaluations
Boise National Forest lands along the entire private boundary should be targeted for treatment
in order to further reduce the risks to homes down slope, as well as to improve suppression
responsibilities for fires moving upslope from home sites or from roadside ignitions. Specific
treatment regimes will depend on existing forest and fuel conditions. However, the treatments
should focus on reducing torching and crown fire potential by removing ladder fuels, thinning
and pruning of mature trees, and disposing of slash. The treatments will likely involve a
combination of commercial and pre-commercial vegetative treatments. This will augment the
effectiveness of treatments already complete in the God's Acres area. Treatments should be
targeted along the entire private-Forest Service ownership boundary throughout the entire area,
extending into the Tamarack Geographic Area. The first priority should focus on creation of
community defensible space.
4.4.2.3.7 Little Donner-Sugarloaf Geographic Area
The Little Donner-Sugarloaf Geographic Area including lands south of Highway 55 milepost 121
to Warm Lake Road, from Lake Cascade east to Colter Road. This area is a dry, wind exposed
site with abundant human ignitions. There is a history of wildland fires in this area including a
potentially destructive fire burning roughly 65 acres in the early 1990's.
4.4.2.3.7.1 Fire Potential
This area is characterized by an abundance of potential ignition sources from both natural and
human causes. With nothing to break the winds that blow across Cascade Lake, this part of the
valley is also exposed to the predominantly southwest wind direction typical throughout the
region during the summer months. Overall, the abundance of light fuels and wind exposure
increases the probability of an ignition developing into a range or forest fire.
Fuels Assessment
Much of this area is a dry southwest aspect with forested areas dominated by ponderosa pine
with a grass and brush understory. Forest fuels tend to be more dense in the vicinity of homes.
Curing is rapid in this area where relatively open conditions allow for rapid drying of light grass
and other surface fuels by the effect of sun and wind. Fires in light fuel types tend to burn with
rapid rates of spread, especially when driven by gusty winds common along the lakeshore.
Although these fires can spread rapidly, they do not burn with the same intensity as fires fueled
by heavy forest fuels. However, if heavy surface fuel loads and abundant understory
regeneration is present, fires in these forest types can burn at high intensities, leading to
torching and possible development of crown fire runs. These conditions present significant
control problems for suppression resources and can pose a significant threat to homes in the
fire path. Fires driven by the southwest winds would also present significant control problems as
well as a significant threat to homes and suppression resources in the area, particularly if
defensible space has not been created prior to the fire event.
Ignition Profile
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 119
Human habitation and use significantly adds to the overall ignition profile in the area. Natural
ignition sources from summertime lightning storms are common throughout Valley County.
However, the probability of human caused fires contributes significantly to the probability of fires
in this area. Residential living and recreational use present innumerable ignition sources. Debris
burning, discarded cigarettes, children playing with matches, fireworks, roadway fires, and camp
fires are just a few of the countless potential human ignition sources. Power line fires resulting
from tree contact can also spark fires, especially during windy conditions.
The abundance of human and natural ignition sources and the nature of fuels in the area
increase the probability of wildland fire in this geographic area. Fire characteristics will depend
on fuel types and fuel moisture as well as on weather conditions at the time of ignition. Fires
during periods of drought with high temperatures, Iow humidity and strong winds can quickly
lead to fast-moving, destructive wildfires regardless of fuel types.
4.4.2.3.7.2 Ingress and Egress
Access along Osprey Ridge Road and Pine Lakes Ranch Road provides adequate access to
homes located on these loop roads. However, poor ingress and egress to the homes along
Crown Point Parkway significantly increases the overall risk to the area. The Parkway provides
the only access route to the numerous houses and developments along the lake. Many of these
are accessed via one-way in-one way out side roads or driveways that do not provide adequate
turn-around areas for large emergency apparatus. The lack of alternate escape routes and the
high probability of bottlenecks along the Parkway in the event of a mass evacuation significantly
increase risk to the area.
4.4.2.3.7.3 Infrastructure
An Idaho Power high-tension power line parallels Highway 55 through the geographic area.
There are also many aboveground wires servicing homes in the area. The consistent wind and
light fuels significantly increases the probability of downed power lines igniting the dry fuels,
potentially developing into a large wildland fire.
There is currently only one municipal ground water source serving the residents of the Little
Donner-Sugarloaf geographic area. Other residents access water via personal wells.
4.4.2.3.7.4 Fire Protection
Homes within this area receive structural fire protection from the Cascade Rural Fire
Department. Wildland fire protection is provided by SITPA. Fire response times are quick in this
area; however, even with rapid response times, fires can spread quickly, as demonstrated by
the 65~acre fire in the early 1990's.
4.4.2.3.7.5 Community Risk Assessment
The combination of light, dry fuels, exposure to wind, and abundant human use increases the
probability of a wildland fire occurrence. The high density of homes, poor access, and lack of
defensible space poses significant threat to residents and homes in the Crown Point Parkway
area. Overall, this area has a high potential for destructive urban-wildland interface fires
potentially threatening numerous homes and the lives and safety of residents and emergency
personnel.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 120
4.4.2.3.7.6 Mitigation Activities
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents within
this geographic area must be made aware of the characteristics that increase interface risk in
the area. Residents should be encouraged to work with local fire departments and fire
management agencies within the county to complete individual homesite evaluations. "Living
with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner" is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as to the
steps to take in order to create an effective defensible space. Home defensibility steps should
be enacted based on the results of these evaluations.
Development of a community evacuation plan is necessary to assure an orderly evacuation in
the event of a threatening wildland fire. Designation and posting of escape route signage would
reduce chaos and escape times for fleeing residents. Because of the poor access along Crown
Point Parkway, a community safety zone should also be established to ensure the safety of
residents in the event of compromised evacuation. Efforts should be made to educate
homeowners through existing homeowners associations or creation of such organizations to act
as conduits for this information.
An area specific interagency emergency fire plan should also be developed and adopted in
order to increase efficiency and reduce potential for entrapment of suppression resources. Clear
lines of communication should be ensured and exact suppression responsibilities should be
assigned. The poor access to some areas increases the risk of bottlenecks developing from
responding emergency resources. Mass mobilization of suppression resources could potentially
result in catastrophic consequences in the event of a high intensity, rapidly spreading wildland
fire.
4.4.2.3.8 West Mountain Geographic Area
The West Mountain Geographic Area includes the area from God's Acres, south along West
Mountain Road to junction with Lakeshore Drive. This area is defined by pre-existing interface
issues in the area, as well as by the significant potential for interface conditions to deteriorate in
the near future. Hundreds of acres of Boise Corporation timberland was recently sold in the
Willow Creek area and will be targeted for residential subdivision. This change in land use will
significantly increase the number of homes in the area and compound pre-existing interface
issues already present in the area.
4.4.2.3.9 Fire Potential
This area is characterized by thick, dense timber stands from mountainside to lakeshore with
few breaks in continuity. The slope rises steeply in the Willow Creek area that is proposed for
subdivision. These conditions significantly increase the overall risk to the area.
Fuels Assessment
The West Mountain area is dominated by a dense, mixed conifer stand of Engelmann spruce,
grand fir, Douglas-fir, and some ponderosa pine. There is an accumulation of dead and down
wood and other surface fuels, due to past logging activities and prolonged fire suppression, not
only on the timbered slopes behind the subdivision, but also adjacent to houses. Although the
frequency of fires on east aspect slopes in these habitat types is Iow, the potential risk of
experiencing a very severe stand replacing wildfire due to deteriorating forest conditions is
significant. A fire in these fuels during severe fire weather conditions would burn at extremely
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 121
high intensities and large flame lengths. Such fires would essentially be uncontrollable and
present significant threat to homes and the lives of residents and suppression personnel.
Ignition Profile
The ignition profile in this area is significantly augmented by concentrated human use in
residential and recreational areas along Cascade Reservoir. Lightning strikes are not
uncommon throughout Long Valley or along the West Mountain Ridge; however, human
ignitions are much more probable in this area posing a significantly elevated risk.
Residential living and recreational use in the area present innumerable ignition sources. Debris
burning, discarded cigarettes, children playing with matches, fireworks, roadway fires, and camp
fires along the reservoir shore are just a few of the countless potential human ignition sources in
the area. Additionally, power line fires resulting from tree contact are also probable in this area,
as many overhead wires are laced within tree limbs. The potential for a power line fire is
greatest during windy conditions, when down tree limbs are likely to cause arcing and strong
winds are able to push fire through forest fuels.
The abundance of human and natural ignition sources and the dense nature of fuels in the area
increase the probability of wildland fire in this geographic area. Fire characteristics will depend
on fuel types and fuel moisture as well as on weather conditions at the time of ignition. Fires
during periods of drought with high temperatures, Iow humidity and strong winds will likely lead
to widespread resource loss in the area.
4.4.2.3.9.1 Ingress-Egress
Ingress and egress issues significantly heighten the risk within this geographic area. West
Mountain Road is the only road accessing the west shore of the lake. Many sections of this
roadway directly abut heavy fuels making escape to the north or south potentially hazardous.
Within the subdivision, there are several secondary roads leading down to the reservoir, some
of which are very narrow and overgrown dead ends. Even though efforts have been made to
provide highly visible addressing of homes, many bridges, cattleguards, and one-way in, one-
way out roads lack signage. These dangerous conditions would preclude engagement by
suppression resources and possibly lead to entrapment of residents.
4.4.2.3.9.2 Infrastructure
Idaho Power maintains a high tension power line that runs along West Mountain Road. There is
also a tangled web of power lines within the residential areas, criss-crossing the roads and
among homes. Sections of these lines are dangerously close to trees and branches. This
increases the risk of ignition, as well as presents hazards for suppression personnel who may
be endanger by overhead wires during suppression operations.
Residents of the West Mountain geographic area can access water through either a surface
water facility or one of the three ground water sources. Some residents have drilled personal
wells.
4.4.2.3.9.3 Fire Protection
The Cascade Rural Fire Department provides structural protection in this area. Wildland fire
protection is provides by SIPTA and the USDA Forest Service. Both the Cascade RFD and
SITPA (SITPA station is located in Cascade) maintain stations in the vicinity of the area,
providing rapid response times.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 122
4.4.2.3.9.4 Community Risk Assessment
The narrow strip of privately owned land between West Mountain Road and the Boise National
Forest boundary has been heavily developed. Primary residences and summer homes are
located along the southwestern corner of the reservoir and extending north along most of the
western shore. Wood siding and decking are popular construction materials in the area. Few
homes have created any type of defensible space around structures. There is very little buffer
between the homes and forest fuels. The fuel continuity within the area leads to conditions in
which the homes essentially will act as fuel in the event of a wildland fire.
4.4.2.3.9.,5 Mitigation Activities
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents within
this geographic area must be made aware of the characteristics that increase interface risk in
the area. Residents should be encouraged to work with local fire departments and fire
management agencies within the county to complete individual homesite evaluations. "Living
with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner~' is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as to the
steps to take in order to create an effective defensible space. Home defensibility steps should
be enacted based on the results of these evaluations. Improving road signage and identification
of one-way in-one way out roads should be a component of mitigation activities in order to
reduce the threat to suppression resources. Access improvement should also be considered,
such as extending roads to form loop roads.
Development of a community evacuation plan is necessary to assure an orderly evacuation in
the event of a threatening wildland fire. Designation and posting of escape route signs would
reduce chaos and escape times for fleeing residents. Because of the exceptionally poor access
in the area, a community safety zone should also be established in the event of compromised
evacuation. Efforts should be made to educate homeowners through existing homeowners
associations or creation of such organizations to act as conduits for this information.
Vegetative treatments designed to reduce surface and ladder fuels, reduce tree density, and
increase effective crown height should be enacted in the Willow Creek area prior to subdivision
development. Although much of the Boise land has been well managed prior to sale, all
necessary treatments should take place prior to home construction.
Boise National Forest lands should also be targeted for vegetative treatments prior to home
construction in the Willow Creek area. Competing treatments before home construction would
alleviate many of the complicating factors associated with pre-commercial and commercial
treatments adjacent to residential areas. Treatment objectives should be focused on increasing
community resistance to wildfire and reducing the probability of torching, crowning, and
development of high intensity wildland fire.
4.4.2.3.10 Cascade Geographic Area
The Cascade Geographic Area includes the town of Cascade as well as the area south from
Warm Lake Road to Moores Creek, east from Lake Shore Drive to Payette River and Thunder
City Road.
4.4.2.3.11 Fire Potential
Fuels Assessment
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page
Much of this area is covered by agricultural fields or native meadow vegetation. Near the lake
shore drier fuel types are more common. These areas are dominated by ponderosa pine with a
grass and brush understory. Sagebrush is prominent along some of the eastern lake shore.
Fires in light fuel types tend to burn with rapid rates of spread, especially when driven by gusty
winds common along the lakeshore. Although these fires can spread rapidly, they do not burn
with the same intensity as fires fueled by heavy forest fuels. However, if heavy surface fuel
loads and abundant understory regeneration is present, fires in these drier forest types can burn
at high intensities, leading to torching and possible development of crown fire runs. These
conditions present significant control problems for suppression resources and can pose a
significant threat to homes in the fire path. Fires driven by the predominant southwest wind
would also present significant control problems as well as a significant threat to homes and
suppression resources, particularly if a defensible space has not been created prior to the fire
event.
Dead and downed fuel accumulations tend to be somewhat higher in the state endowment land
between Cabarton Road and Lakeshore Drive. This is particularly true in the Landale Lane and
Panorama Drive Area. In addition, there are accumulations of regeneration in the area that
could lead to development of torching of overstory trees. Most of this fuel is upslope, behind the
homes in the area.
Ignition Profile
Human habitation and use significantly adds to the overall ignition profile in the area. Natural
ignition sources from summertime lightning storms are common throughout Valley County.
However, the probability of human caused fires contributes significantly to the probability of fires
in this area. Residential living and recreational use present innumerable ignition sources. Debris
burning, discarded cigarettes, children playing with matches, fireworks, roadway fires, and camp
fires are just a few of the countless potential human ignition sources in the area. Power line fires
resulting from tree contact can also spark fires, especially during windy conditions.
The abundance of human and natural ignition sources and the nature of fuels in the area
increase the probability of wildland fire. Fire characteristics will depend on fuel types and fuel
moisture as well as on weather conditions at the time of ignition. Fires during periods of drought
with high temperatures, Iow humidity and strong winds can quickly lead to_ fast-moving,
destructive wildfires regardless of fuel types.
4.4.2.3.11.1 Ingress-Egress
The primary access into the area is from State Highway 55, a paved two-lane highway that
extends to the north and south. There are several additional primary travel routes within the
valley. Most of these roads are located in areas with little risk due to the agricultural and pasture
land use. Some signing of these roads as alternate escape routes would help visitors in the
area. Many of the subdivisions near the lake shore are accessed by one-way in, one-way out
roads that could potentially become threatened in the event of a wildfire. This type of access
road also inhibit the safe and timely evacuation of residents as well as increases the risk to
suppression personnel. Road names and house numbers are generally present throughout the
area, yet many of the bridges in the vicinity of Cascade lack adequate signing and weight
ratings.
Most roads in the Cascade vicinity are adequate for most emergency vehicle traffic, although
some spur roads are rough and lack adequate turnouts. Access issues tend to be more
pronounced in older developments and are often associated with driveway access. Steep and
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 124
narrow driveways complicate access by large emergency vehicles in scattered areas throughout
this area.
4.4.2.3.11.2 Infrastructure
Idaho Power maintains a number of high-tension power lines in the vicinity. The risk to these is
quite Iow because of light fuels in most areas. Many of the older homes are supplied with power
by aboveground wires, while the newer subdivisions are serviced by underground utilities.
Many residents of the Cascade geographic area receive water by drilling personal wells;
however, there is a municipal water source near the southern end of the treatment area.
4.4.2.3.11.3 Fire Protection
The Cascade City Fire District provides structural fire protection within Cascade city limits, with
the Cascade Rural Fire District providing structural fire protection in the remainder of the area.
There are Mutual Aid Agreements in place with all the Fire Department in the valley floor along
Highway 55. SIPTA provides wildland fire protection in the area.
4.4.2.3.11.4 Community Risk Assessment
This geographic area is at moderate risk from wildland fire. The greatest risk is associated with
the heavy recreational and residential use in the area and the prevalence of light, flashy fuels.
The receptive nature of these fuels to ignition sources increases the probability of the area
experiencing a fire. Homes and resources can generally be easily protected from these types of
fires; however, these measures must be taken prior to the fire event. Fires in these fuel types
spread rapidly, allowing little time to prepare a home in advance of a fire.
Many homes are in need of a defensible space. As in many residential areas, much of the
vegetation around the home has been retained to provide visual screening from neighboring
homes. This screening is often very close to the home, leading to increased fire intensities in the
immediate vicinity.
4.4.2.3.11.5 Mitigation Activities
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents of Valley
County must be made aware that home defensibility starts with the home. Once a fire has
started and is moving toward homes or other valued resources, the probability of that structure
surviving a passing fire front is largely dependent on the structural and landscaping
characteristics of the home. Also of vital importance is the accessibility of the home to
emergency apparatus. If the home cannot be protected safely, firefighting resources will not
jeopardize lives to protect a structure. Thus, the fate of the home will largely be determined by
homeowner actions prior to the event. In many cases, homes' survivability can be greatly
enhanced by following a few simple guidelines that reduce the ignitability of the structure.
"Living with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner" is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as
to the steps to take in order to create effective defensible space. Residents of Valley County
should be encouraged to work with local fire departments and fire management agencies within
the county to complete individual homesite evaluations. Home defensibility steps should be
enacted based on the results of these evaluations. Other specific activities are likely to include
improvement of emergency water supplies in areas not served by hydrants and management of
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page f25
trees and vegetation along power line right-of-ways. Furthermore, building codes and standards
for subdivision development should be expanded to single home construction as well.
State endowment lands between Cabarton Road and Lakeshore Drive should be considered for
hazard mitigation treatments. Hazard treatments should concentrate on reducing ladder fuels
and dead and downed fuels in order to facilitate fire suppression activities and reduce the
potential for development of high intensity wildland fire. Such a treatment would protect the
timber values on state lands as well as reduce risk to homes in the area.
4.4.2.3.12 PearsoI-Horsethief Geographic Area
The Pearsol-Horsethief geographic area encompasses the Warm Lake Road corridor, including
Eagle Nest Estates, south to the Township 14 North line, and east from Thunder City Road to
Little Horsethief Reservoir, including Horsethief Basin. This area is likely to see increases in
subdivision development in upcoming years, as timberlands formerly owned and managed by
Boise Corporation are sold for residential development.
4.4.2.3.12.1 Fire Potential
Fuels Assessment
Grasses associated with relatively open ponderosa pine and mixed pine-fir forests comprise the
bulk of the fuels in this area. Fires in light fuel types tend to burn with rapid rates of spread,
especially when driven by gusty winds common along the lakeshore. Although these fires can
spread rapidly, they do not burn with the same intensity as fires fueled by heavy forest fuels.
However, if heavy surface fuel loads and abundant understory regeneration is present, fires in
these dry forest types can burn at high intensities, leading to torching and possible development
of crown fires. These conditions present significant control problems for suppression resources
and can pose a significant threat to homes in the fire path. Fires driven by the predominant
southwest wind would also present significant control problems as well as a significant threat to
homes and suppression resources in the area, particularly if defensible space has not been
created prior to the fire event.
Much of the area surrounding the Horsethief Reservoir has been actively managed by Boise
Corporation for timber production. Fuels generated by harvest activities have been disposed of
resulting in relatively open stands that facilitate fire suppression activities.
Ignition Profile
The popularity of the Horsethief Reservoir and the surrounding area for recreation use
significantly increases ignition potential in the area. Recreation use is generally strongly
correlated with human-caused fire starts. Ignitions from unattended campfires, discarded
cigarettes, fireworks, and vehicle fires augment the natural ignition profile. Natural ignition
sources from summertime lightning storms are also common throughout Valley County.
The abundance of human and natural ignition sources and the nature of fuels in the area
increase the probability of wildland fire. Fire characteristics will depend on fuel types and fuel
moisture as well as on weather conditions at the time of ignition. Fires during periods of drought
with high temperatures, Iow humidity and strong winds can quickly lead to fast-moving,
destructive wildfires regardless of fuel types.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page
4.4.2.3.12.2 Ingress-Egress
Access to the PearsoI-Horsethief area is via the Warm Lake Highway. Development along the
Little Pearsol Road is accessed by a dead end road with no other alternate escape routes. The
Horsethief Reservoir can be accessed via the Warm Lake Highway or the Corral Creek Road.
Access to Eagle Nest Estates is good with well planned loop roads and large cul-de-sacs.
4.4.2.3.12.3 Infrastructure
An Idaho Power transmission line runs through the area. Furthermore, homes in the Little
Pearsol area receive power via above-ground power lines.
Due to the lack of concentrated human development in the Pearsol-Horsethief geographic area,
there are no municipal water sources; thus, residents much access water by drilling personal
wells.
4.4.2.3.12.4 Fire Protection
The Cascade Rural Fire District provides structural fire protection in the PearsoI-Eagle Nest
area. There is no structural protection near the Horsethief Reservoir area, although SITPA
provides wildland fire protection in the area.
4.4.2.3.12.5 Community Risk Assessment
4.4.2.3.12.5.1 Little Pearsol Lane
The primary risk to residents of this subdivision is the lack of an alternate escape route into the
valley. There are 15 or so residences scattered among a recently thinned ponderosa pine stand
off Little Pearsol Lane. Slash and surface fuels created by the harvest operation have been
removed, reducing the potential for high intensity wildland fire. Most the residents in this area
have cleared a reasonable defensible space around their property. However, there are a few
that could use additional thinning of trees to reduce the fire risk. Homes in this area have been
built almost exclusively with wood siding and decking, which is unfavorable for protection
against wildfires.
4.4.2.3.12.5.2 Eagle Nest Estates
Eagle Nest Estates is a new subdivision being built north of the Warm Lake Road near Davis
Reservoir. The landowner has recently thinned and burned the slash from the ponderosa pine
stand in the area where homes are being built. They have also installed underground power
lines and constructed a system of roads that loop back to the main access road. Most of the
residents have built their homes on large parcels and cleared an adequate defensible space.
This development serves as an example of a development designed with fire management in
mind.
4.4.2.3.12.6 Mitigation Activities
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents of Valley
County must be made aware that home defensibility starts with the home. Once a fire has
started and is moving toward homes or other valued resources, the probability of that structure
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 127
surviving a passing fire front is largely dependent on the structural and landscaping
characteristics of the home.
Also of vital importance is the accessibility of the home to emergency apparatus. If the home
cannot be protected safely, firefighting resources will not jeopardize lives to protect a structure.
The current lack of an alternative route to the homes in the Little Pearsol area presents
operational safety issues. In order to address this issue, residents should consider extending
Little Pearsol Lane to form a loop road.
In many cases, homes survivability can be greatly enhanced by following a few simple
guidelines that reduce the ignitability of the home. "Living with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner"
is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as to the steps to take in order to create an
effective defensible space. Residents of Valley County should be encouraged to work with local
fire departments and fire management agencies within the county to complete individual
homesite evaluations. Home defensibility steps should be enacted based on the results of these
evaluations. Other specific activities are likely to include improvement of emergency water
supplies in areas not served by hydrants and management of trees and vegetation along power
line right-of-ways. Furthermore, building codes and standards for subdivision development
should be expanded to single home construction as well.
State endowment lands should be considered for hazard mitigation treatments. Hazard
treatments should concentrate on reducing ladder fuels and dead and down fuels in order to
facilitate fire suppression activities and reduce the potential for development of high intensity
wildland fire. Such a treatment would protect the timber values on state lands as well as reduce
risk to homes in the area.
4.4.2.3.13 Gold Dust- Alpha-Round Valley Geographic Area
The Gold Dust-Alpha-Round Valley Geographic area includes the area from T14 N line, south to
Round Valley, east from Payette River to Middle Fork-North Fork Divide.
4.4.2.3.13.1 Fire Potential
The landscape from Alpha south to Round Valley begins to transition from grass to forested
habitats. Timbered foothills to the south, east and west bind the valley. Settlement is
concentrated along the valley bottom and along Highway 55, with some residential development
on the lower foothills. At the far southern end of the valley, the North Fork of the Payette River
drops steeply toward Smith's Ferry as it travels toward the Snake River.
Fuels Assessment
Forest vegetation in the Alpha-Round Valley area tends to be isolated along riparian areas, with
increasing tree establishment further upslope. The flow of both moisture and cool air along
draws and creek bottoms in this portion of the County generally favors the establishment of
Iodgepole pine, particularly toward Highway 55. The compact needle litter under closed stands
of Iodgepole in these areas generally support slow-burning surface fires. However, during dry
summertime weather conditions fires in these fuel types can present significant control
problems. Individual and group tree torching, large flame lengths, development of crown fire,
and long-range spotting can easily overwhelm suppression forces, posing significant threat to
homes and other infrastructure in the area. Although such fires are typically infrequent, 100+
year events, such fire occurrences have led to widespread loss of homes and other
improvements.
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Outside of these cold air drainages on the lower foothills are stands of mixed pine and fir.
Between the foothills and forested riparian corridors, grasses and shrubs dominate. Many areas
dominated by light, flashy grass fuels have historically been grazed. However, reduction in
grazing over the last years has allowed for an accumulation of fine fuels. Fires in these areas
are typically fast moving surface fires, especially when pushed by wind. Fire frequency can be
high, due to the drying effect of sun and warm temperatures on light, flashy fuels. As grasslands
transition into dry ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir habitats, fire frequency remains high. Low
stocking levels in the understory resulting from a lack of sunlight and moisture allows for the
growth of fine grass fuels. Historically, these forest types were "fire maintained," with frequent,
Iow intensity fires clearing fuels from the forest floor and maintaining well-spaced forest stands.
As elevation and aspect increase available moisture, forest composition transitions to more
moist habitat types. Increases in moisture keep forest fuels unavailable to burn for longer
periods during the summer. This increases the time between fire events, resulting in varying
degrees of fuel accumulation. When these fuels do become available to burn, they typically burn
in a mosaic pattern at mid elevations, where accumulations of forest fuels result in either single
or group tree torching, and in some instances, short crown fire runs. At the highest elevations,
fire events are typically stand replacing, as years of accumulation fuel large, intense wildfire.
The narrow band of land along the Iow foothills to the east and west is owned and actively
managed by Boise Corporation and the IDL as timberlands. The management activities by
these landowners have provided road access and created forest conditions that generally
facilitate fire suppression activities. Forestlands beyond Boise Corporation ownership are
managed by the US Forest Service, Boise National Forest.
Ignition Profile
The ignition profile in this area is significantly augmented by concentrated human use in the
area. Lighting strikes are also quite common, especially in forested areas and as elevation
increases.
Residential living and recreational use in the area present innumerable ignition sources. Debris
burning, discarded cigarettes, children playing with matches, fireworks, roadway fires, and camp
fires along the reservoir shore are just a few of the countless potential human ignition sources in
the area. The abundance of available light flashy fuels and abundant ignition sources
contributes significantly to fire potential.
Additionally, power line fires resulting from tree contact are also probable in this area, as many
overhead wires are laced within tree limbs. The potential for a power line fire is greatest during
windy conditions, when down tree limbs are likely to cause arcing and strong winds are able to
push fire through forest fuels.
The abundance of human and natural ignition sources and the dry, flashy nature of fuels in the
area increase the probability of wildland fire in this geographic area. Fire characteristics will
depend on fuel types and fuel moisture as well as on weather conditions at the time of ignition.
Fires during periods of drought with high temperatures, Iow humidity and strong winds could
pose significant threat to life and home.
4.4.2.3.13.2 Ingress-Egress
Roads in the valley bottom are generally adequate for most emergency vehicle traffic, although
some spur roads are rough and lack adequate turnouts. Access issues, often associated with
driveway access, tend to be more pronounced in older areas of development. Steep and narrow
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driveways complicate access by large emergency vehicles in scattered areas throughout this
area.
4.4.2.3.13.3 Infrastructure
An Idaho Power high-tension power line parallels Highway 55 through the geographic area.
There are many aboveground wires servicing homes in the area. The consistent wind and dry
fuels significantly increases the probability of downed p,ower lines igniting the dry fuels,
potentially developing into a large wildland fire.
There is only one municipal water source in the Golddust-Alpha-Round Valley geographic area,
which is located near the community of Alpha. Other residents; therefore, gain access to water
by drilling personal wells.
4.4.2.3.13.4 Fire Protection
Structural fire protection is provided by the Cascade RFD, which maintains its Station 2 on Clear
Creek Road, less than a mile off of Highway 55. SIPTA and the USDA Forest Service provide
wildland fire protection in the area. There are a number of creeks and ponds that could serve as
draft or dipping sources within the area.
4.4.2.3.13.5 Community Risk Assessment
Residential development in this area is concentrated along the Clear Creek Road and Cabarton
Road to the east and west of Alpha, as well as along the perimeter of Round Meadows.
4.4.2.3.13.5.1 Clear Creek Road and Cabarton Road
The threat posed by wildland fire in these areas is variable, with pockets of moderate risk. Many
home sites along the lower portion of Clear Creek Road and Cabarton Road are situated in the
wooded areas that generally follow the draws and creek channels. Forest fuels in these areas
are generally dominated by Iodgepole pine along riparian areas, and mixed pine and fir farther
upslope. Although overall fuel continuity of the area is quite inconsistent, many homes have
been constructed in thick patches of timber. There is consistency and continuity to the fuels
within these patches creating the potential for development of destructive forest fires.
Many homes in the area do not have adequate defensible space. Homes surrounded by light,
flashy fuels are at increased risk to fire loss due to the rapid rates of spread typical in these fuel
types. Although surface fires in grass and pine needles may not burn at extremely high
intensities, they can easily transition from the wildland to the home if a fire resistant buffer has
not been created in the immediate vicinity of the home or outbuilding.
Homeowners that have not implemented a more aggressive program of pruning and thinning in
the vicinity of structures are also at an elevated risk. Individual and group tree torching near the
home exposes the home to high levels of radiant heat, as well as to firebrands. This is of
particular concern when homes have been constructed with flammable building materials.
4.4.2.3.13.5.2 Round Valley
Round Valley is a broad, flat valley used primarily for agriculture. Although most homes are
adjacent to Round Valley, many are tucked into areas of pine regeneration, with little defensible
space.
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The forested land surrounding Round Valley is continuous mixed fir. Under extreme weather
conditions, wind driven fires pushed down slope could pose a serious threat to homes in the
Round Valley area. A more probable threat is likely to come from roadway ignitions spreading
quickly upslope in the dry grass and pine litter. The probability of home survivability could be
further increased by the creation of defensible space.
4.4.2.3.13.5.3 Gold Dust Area
There are approximately 20 homes located at the end of Golddust Road off State Highway 55.
Even though this is a dead end road, the scattered Iodgepole pine along the roadway and
around homes are not creating a high-risk situation. The greatest risk to the area would come
from a fast moving, grass and range tire. The abundance of light flashy fuels and ignition
sources increases this potential significantly. Most residents have cleared a reasonable
defensible space around their property. Some additional thinning along the eastern edge would
provide an additional fuel break for potential wildfires.
4.4.2.3.13.6 Mitigation Activities
"Home protection starts at the home." Effective mitigation strategies begin with public
awareness campaigns designed to educate homeowners of the risks associated with living in a
flammable environment. Residents within this geographic area must be made aware of the
characteristics that increase interface risk in the area. Residents should be encouraged to work
with local fire departments and fire management agencies within the county to complete
individual homesite evaluations. "Living with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner~' is an excellent
tool for educating homeowners as to the steps to take in order to create effective defensible
space. Home defensibility steps should be enacted based on the results of these evaluations.
Homeowners in the Gold Dust area have expressed interest in pursuing fuels work on the east
and south side of the development. The treatments should focus on reducing ladder fuels and
increasing crown base height as well as increasing suppression effectiveness. State
endowment lands to the west of Round Valley road should also be evaluated for potential
treatment, both to further reduce risk to homes downslope as well as to protect state
endowment lands.
4.4.2.3.14 Smith's Ferry Geographic Area
The Smith's Ferry Geographic Area includes the area around the community, as well as lands
within T11N, R3E, sections 2,3,10,11,14,15, 22, and 23. There are a number of factors that
contribute to the overall interface hazard in the area. Currently, residents of Smith's Ferry are
unprotected by any structural fire protection. The vegetative characteristics in the vicinity of the
residential areas greatly increase the fire hazard. Finally, the abundance of ignition sources
from recreational and forest industry use in the area significantly increases the potential for fire
starts. These factors significantly increase the overall risk to the community. Furthermore, this
area is likely to see increases in housing density. Plans for the construction of a subdivision east
of the community will lead to additional interface fire potential in the near future.
4.4.2.3.14.'1 Fire Potential
Fuels Assessment
Forest structure to the east of Smith's Ferry is a combination of dry and mesic forest types. The
dry, west aspects and rocky soils limit availability of moisture in many areas; thus, supporting
forest communities dominated by ponderosa pine with a mixed grass and shrub understory.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page
Fuels tend to be relatively light, supporting frequent Iow intensity burns fueled by light loads of
grass and dead and downed wood. However, these fire behavior characteristics are significantly
enhanced by steep slopes, which may lead to torching and potential crown fire events during
extreme weather. Where aspect becomes more northerly or wherever moisture becomes more
available, forest types shift toward western larch, Douglas-fir and grand fir, with some areas of
Iodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce also represented. The larch-fir forest type is typical on
the west side of the river. Fires in these forest types are slow-moving surface fires carried in the
compact needle litter understory. Concentrations of dead and downed stem wood support
higher intensity burns. Fires in these fuel types can lead to torching and spotting when burning
under a forest canopy.
Much of the land to the east and west of Smith's Ferry is in Boise Corporation ownership. As
such, the majority of Boise lands have been managed in the past using a combination of even
and un-even aged timber management. These practices have helped to create more open
forest stand conditions, which facilitate fire suppression activities. These same conditions also
allow for earlier drying of surface fuels and stimulation of the growth of grass and other fine fuels
which lead to more rapid rates of spread. However, the reduced risk associated with the
increased ability to control wildland fires in the treated forest generally outweighs the risk
associated with fire events in mature and overmature forest conditions.
Ignition Profile
The community of Smith's Ferry is situated in the steep and rocky Payette River Canyon. Over
time, the erosive action of the water has carved a steep, deeply cut channel, full of rapids and
eddies. The river attracts thousands of adventure seekers in search of white water kayaking
opportunities each year. This concentrated recreational use significantly increases the ignition
potential in the area. Furthermore, Highway 55 provides the access to the community and
serves as the primary travel route from Boise to areas to the north. As such, Highway 55 is a
very heavily traveled route. Travel corridors are strongly correlated with fire starts, as discarded
cigarettes, tire fires and vehicle fires significantly increases the potential for fire starts in the
area. Lastly, heavy forest practices in the area increases the potential for accidental fire starts.
Ignitions from land clearing, equipment, and debris burning can spark wildland fire.
In addition to human-caused fires, natural ignitions from lightning events increases the risk to
wildland fire impinging on the community.
4.4.2.3.14.2 Ingress-Egress
The primary access route to homes on the east side of the Payette River is by a single unrated
bridge at Cougar Mountain Outfitters. It is possible, yet unlikely, that residents to the south of
the bridge could be cut-off in the event of a wildland fire, with no alternative escape route.
Although current fuel conditions along Packer John Road make this scenario unlikely, residents
or forest users farther downstream could be cut-off from escape to Highway 55.
Highway 55 provides the only paved access route to Smith's Ferry. It is possible that a wildland
fire burning under extreme conditions could compromise travel on the highway. It is unlikely that
travel to both the north and south of Smith's Ferry would be compromised simultaneously.
However, such an event could slow the movement of suppression resources to aid in the
protection of the community and at a minimum would disrupt commerce and travel.
There are significant access issues in the area, particularly to the east of Highway 55. Homes in
this area are accessed via steep roads that cannot accommodate emergency vehicles. Although
the access routes are short, these homes would be indefensible in the event of a fire moving
upslope from Highway 55.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 132
4.4.2.3.14.3 Infrastructure
An Idaho Power transmission line runs through the geographic ama. The right-of-way for the
line has been well maintained, reducing the potential for tree contact and arcing. There are
many aboveground power lines that provide service to homes in the ama. Many of these are in
close proximity to tree limbs, increasing the potential for downed power lines.
There is one municipal water source near the center of the geographic area that most residents
likely have access to.
4.4.2.3.14.4 Fire Protection
As mentioned, Smith's Ferry currently does not have any structural fire protection, which
significantly increases the overall risk to the community. SIPTA and the USDA Forest Service
provide wildland fire protection in the area.
4.4.2.3.14.5 Community Risk Assessment
The primary fire risks to the community of Smith's Ferry are the homes tucked into the timber
along the mountainside to the west of Highway 55. These homes are accessed via steep roads
that cannot accommodate emergency vehicles. Although the access routes are short, these
homes would be indefensible in the event of a fire moving upslope from Highway 55. These
homes also lack defensible space and have been built with materials that are not conducive to
survival of a wildland fire event.
Them are a number of homes to the east of the Payette River, to the north along Hamden Drive,
to the south along Packer John Road, and along other small drives and roads. Some of these
homes have an adequate defensible space, while many others have trees and flammable
vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the residence. Forest fuels are consistent to the east of
residential development, although the majority of the fuels have been treated. Nonetheless, the
potential for wildland fire to move downslope or up the Payette River Canyon is not
inconceivable.
4.4.2.3.14.6 Mitigation Activities
Expansion of district boundaries or creation of a Smith's Ferry-High Valley Fire District to
provide structural protection would be a first step in mitigating fire risk in the area. This should
be a priority in the overall County Fire Mitigation Plan. In the absence of fire protection,
homeowners need to take additional precautions in order to increase the defensibility of their
homes and to provide safe travel routes.
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents within
this geographic area must be made aware of the characteristics that increase interface risk in
the area. Residents should be encouraged to work with local fire departments and fire
management agencies within the county to complete individual homesite evaluations. "Living
with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner" is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as to the
steps to take in order to create effective defensible space. Home defensibility steps should be
enacted based on the results of these evaluations.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 133
4.4.2.3.15 High Valley Geographic Area
The High Valley Geographic Area includes the area from the Valley-Gem County line, east to
State Highway 55, within the greater High Valley area. The High Valley area receives heavy
summertime recreation use, with few full time residents. The area is composed of a large
natural grassland valley surrounded by mixed conifer forest.
4.4.2.3.15.1 Fire Potential
Fuels Assessment
High Valley is native grassland that grades into sagebrush communities and a conifer forest.
The forested areas are dominated by multi-aged stands of mixed conifers, primarily Iodgepole
pine, ponderosa pine, and Douglas fir on the dry aspects mixed with grand fir and spruce on the
shaded aspects and along water courses. The timberland surrounding High Valley is mostly
managed, showing recent logging and thinning activity. Fuel accumulations from logging is light.
Understory ladder fuels are light to moderate in the managed stands and moderate to severe in
the unmanaged stands and on northern aspects. Understory shrubs include broadleaf
hardwoods as well as ceanothus in many areas with light grass intermixed.
Ignition Profile
Man caused fires and lightning are the most likely source of ignitions in this area. A major
transmission line travels through the valley crossing over timbered areas. High wind events
could potentially spark a fire from this line.
Landowners often burn roadside grass to open drainage systems, improve visibility and reduce
mowing. Fires that are started in the grassland have the potential to spread to the sagebrush
community and then into forested areas if left unattended. In most areas, fire spread would be
slow due to the moderate to light ground fuels. Increased winds coming off the open valley;
however, would severely increase the wildfire potential throughout the area.
4.4.2.3.15.2 Ingress-Egress
The primary access to High Valley is via the unimproved High Valley Road from Smith's Ferry.
Travel time for vehicles is quite long. This road is very windy and narrow from Smith's Ferry
over the pass to High Valley proper. This road would hamper rapid response to a major wildfire.
Response from the west out of Gem County is similar. High Valley road travels over a pass
between Valley and Gem counties. The road is narrow and windy making emergency response
difficult and slow.
Most of the structures in the High Valley area are in private, gated subdivisions. The structures
are nestled into the timber and along the valley at the timber interface. Some structures are
located out in the open valley bottom. Roads to the structures and subdivisions are mostly
privately owned with locked gates. Access to many structures is on narrow driveways with
limited turn around areas to accommodate emergency vehicles.
4.4.2.3.15.3 Infrastructure
Idaho Power maintains a high-tension power line right-of-way that passes through the area. The
transmission line passes over timberland and could be affected in the event of a wildfire. An
underground telephone line travels along the High Valley road from Smiths Ferry. There is little
potential that this line would be affected by a wildfire.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page
4.4.2.3.15.4 Fire Protection
There is no structural fire protection in High Valley. Wildland fire protection is split between IDL
and SITPA. High Valley has an abundance of water resources available for fighting wildfire
including streams, ponds, stock tanks and lakes.
4.4.2.3.15.5 Community Risk Assessment
The lack of structural fire protection and delayed response times due to the remote nature of
High Valley results in a high risk to the area. Many of the homes have attempted to maintain a
secluded character by retaining vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the homes. This results in
narrow, overgrown driveways with poor access to individual homes and a general lack of
defensible space around home sites.
4.4.2.3.15.6 Mitigation Activities
Expansion of district boundaries or creation of a new fire district in the Smith's Ferry-High Valley
area to provide structural protection would be a first step in mitigating fire risk in the area. This
should be a priority in the overall County Fire Mitigation Plan. In the absence of fire protection,
homeowners need to take additional precautions in order to increase the defensibility of their
homes and to provide safe travel routes.
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents within
this geographic area must be made aware of the characteristics that increase interface risk in
the area. Residents should be encouraged to work with local fire departments and fire
management agencies within the county to complete individual homesite evaluations. "Living
with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner" is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as to the
steps to take in order to create effective defensible space. Home defensibility steps should be
enacted based on the results of these evaluations.
4.4.2.3.16 Rural Community of Yellow Pine
4.4.2.3.16.1 Fire Potential
Fuels Assessment
Several small streams drain into the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon near this
community; thus, there is a multitude of varying aspects and timber types surrounding the area.
The Iow elevation south, southeast, and southwest aspects are generally populated by dry
ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir, which supports fast-moving, intense wildfires. The Iow to mid-
elevation north, northeast, and northwest aspects favored by cool, moist Douglas-fir and true fir
habitats more commonly experience Iow intensity ground fires with occasional single tree
torching in heavier fuel pockets. Finally, the higher elevations forest stands consisting of
Iodgepole, western larch, Englemann spruce, and a variety of other conifer species typically
experience stand replacing, severe wildfires with high rates of tree mortality regardless of
aspect. Fires in these fuel types tend to be high intensity, fast-moving ground and surface fires
due to greater quantities of dead and down fuels. Crowning, spotting, and torching of individual
trees also makes direct attack suppression efforts difficult and dangerous for fireflghters. These
fire behavior characteristics are significantly enhanced by steep, highly variable slopes and the
potential for extreme weather conditions.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page
The gentler slope to the west of the community towards the river is primarily a mature
ponderosa pine stand that has been commercially thinned to reduce the fire hazard. Since much
of the slash from the harvest operation has been removed, this tends to support lower intensity,
but frequent surface fires. This type of fire is much more easily controlled by suppression efforts.
Ignition Profile
Natural ignitions from lightning strikes are the primary source of starts in remote forest locations
like Yellow Pine. The abundance of steep slopes, dry weather, and receptive fuels increases the
probability of a lightning strike resulting in a large wildland fire.
The occurrence of man-caused fires is also high in the Yellow Pine area due to intense human
activity, particularly recreational use. Debris burning, discarded cigarettes, children playing with
matches, fireworks, roadway fires, and camp fires are just a few of the countless potential
human ignition sources. Travel corridors are strongly correlated with fire starts; as discarded
cigarettes, tire fires, and vehicle fires significantly increase the potential for fire starts. Lastly,
heavy forest practices in the area increases the potential for accidental fire starts. Ignitions from
land clearing, equipment, and debris burning can spark wildland fire.
Power line corridors can become a significant ignition concern, especially in extreme wind
events. Branches or trees coming into contact with live wires could easily ignite nearby fuels.
Fire characteristics will depend on fuel types and moisture levels as well as on weather
conditions at the time of ignition. Fires during periods of drought with high temperatures, Iow
humidity, and strong winds could pose significant threat to life and property.
4.4.2.3.16.2 Ingress-Egress
The primary access into Yellow Pine is by Primary Forest Route 48 from McCall, which is a
gravel, mostly one lane, road. Additional access can also be gained by Forest Route 674 from
Warm Lake, Forest Route 413 from the Landmark Ranger Station, Forest Route 340 from Big
Creek, or Forest Route 412 from Stibnite; however, these are generally unimproved roads that
increase travel time significantly.
Emergency response from remote wildland fire suppression teams or from McCall or Cascade
would be considerable simply due to the extreme distance and difficult access routes.
Forest fuels commonly abut roadways. It is likely that one or more of the escape routes would
become impassable during a wildfire event. This is not only extremely hazardous for residents
of Yellow Pine, but it will also slow the response and effectiveness of emergency equipment and
personnel.
Most of the homes and structures in this area are near the community center; however, there
are a few outliers in the surrounding area. These outlying homes are generally more difficult and
dangerous for large vehicles to access due to inferior road construction. Many private driveways
are single lane, dead ends that have no turnouts or turnaround areas.
4.4.2.3.16.3 Infrastructure
Above ground power lines provide electricity to the citizens of Yellow Pine. The power line
corridors have generally been cleared of abutting timber and other fuels; however, these buffers
need to be maintained regularly due to the high potential of sparks.
Three large gas tanks are currently located above ground within the community center. Burying
these in a less hazardous area would significantly decrease the possibility of an explosion in the
event of a wildfire.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 136
Currently, there is only one surface water source providing residents of Yellow Pine with water.
Some citizens have chosen to drill personal wells.
4.4.2.3.16.4 Fire Protection
Structural fire protection is provided by the Yellow Pine Rural Fire Department. The USDA
Forest Service and the Idaho Department of Lands are responsible for wildland fire protection in
this area; however, by agreement, the Forest Service maintains sole protection responsibilities.
The East Fork of the Salmon River and Johnson Creek would be potential water resources near
the community in the event of a fire.
4.4.2.3.16.5 Community Risk Assessment
The forested area in which the community of Yellow Pine sits has a high probability of
experiencing a wildland fire. The conditions for potentially severe, high intensity fires such as
heavy continuous fuels, steep slopes, and up canyon winds are all present. Furthermore,
recreational activities and vehicle travel in the area increase potential ignition sources. The
likelihood of a wildfire occurring and the remoteness of the community put Yellow Pine at high
risk. The road conditions and distance from additional fire suppression resources in other
communities limits their ability to respond quickly.
Under the auspices of the Idaho Department of Lands, citizens of Yellow Pine have taken
measures to protect residents from the effects of wildfire. Thinning, pruning, and removing slash
and debris from the ponderosa pine stand downslope of town significantly reduces the likelihood
of an oncoming wildland fire travelling up the canyon and threatening residents. In addition,
campfires in this area are strictly prohibited.
Most of the homes in the community have been built using wood siding and decking, which is
unfavorable for protection against wildfire. Also, many homeowners stack firewood under decks
or against structures. Homes built near the main street through town generally have an
adequate defensible space; however, those nearer the perimeter are generally adjacent to or
within heavier fuels. These are also the homes most at-risk to wildfire spreading from the
forestlands into the community.
4.4.2.3.16.6 Mitigation Activities
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents of Valley
County must be made aware that home defensibility starts with the home. Once a fire has
started and is moving toward homes or other valued resources, the probability of that structure
surviving is largely dependent on the structural and landscaping characteristics.
Also of vital importance is the accessibility of the home to emergency apparatus. If safety
procedures cannot be followed, firefighting resources will not jeopardize lives to protect a
structure. The current condition of escape routes and driveways in the Yellow Pine area present
operational safety issues. In order to address this issue, residents should consider roadside
treatment options.
The mitigation treatments administered by the Idaho Department of Lands along the west side
of the community are a very positive proactive step towards protection from wildland fire.
Treatment areas should be maintained periodically to preserve their effectiveness. Similar
treatments around homes, campsites, and other high use areas would further reduce the risk of
loss by fire.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 137
In many cases, homes' survivability can be greatly enhanced by following a few simple
guidelines that reduce the ignitability of the home. "Living with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner"
is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as to the steps to take in order to create effective
defensible space. Residents of Valley County should be encouraged to work with local fire
departments and fire management agencies to complete individual homesite evaluations. Home
defensibility steps should be enacted based on the results of these evaluations. Other specific
activities are likely to include improvement of emergency water supplies in areas not served by
hydrants and management of trees and vegetation along power line right-of-ways. Furthermore,
building codes and standards for subdivision development should be expanded to single home
construction as well.
4.4.2.3.17 Rural Community of Warm Lake
4.4.2.3.17.1 Fire Potential
Fuels Assessment
Warm Lake is fed by Warm Lake Creek and drains along with several other small streams into
the South Fork of the Salmon River. The Iow to mid elevations with north and east aspects are
generally populated by Iodgepole pine habitat types. Fires in these fuel types vary depending on
the accumulation of dead and down wood and litter debris; however, slow burning ground fires
with Iow flame lengths and occasional jackpot flare ups are common. The "dog-hair" Iodgepole
pine habitats among and surrounding the cabins generally experiences stand replacing fires,
although at infrequent return intervals. An example of this can be seen by the mortality in the
Iodgepole pine stand caused by the recent fire along Forest Route 474 approximately 3 miles
north of Warm Lake. Low to mid elevations with dry, open, southern aspects exhibiting
ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir habitat types tend to support fast-moving, intense surface fires
with occasional jackpots and torching of individual trees. Fires in the high elevation Iodgepole
pine and mixed true fir habitat types are typically higher intensity, fast-moving ground and
surface fires regardless of aspect due to greater quantities of dead and down fuels. Crowning,
spotting, and torching of individual trees also make direct attack suppression efforts difficult and
dangerous for firefighters.
The USDA Forest Service maintains a small picnic area near the main Warm Lake Lodge and a
camping area with bathroom facilities on the north side of the road on the north shore. The
camping areas are mostly clear of timber and other fuels. There are only a few moderate slopes
around the lake in the area in which homes have been built. Nevertheless, there are some
steeper aspects rising from this small valley, particularly to the east. Dense Iodgepole pine
stands are dominant in the area surrounding Warm Lake. Most property owners have made
attempts to keep these commonly small diameter trees near their homes in order to maintain an
"outdoorsy" look.
Ignition Profile
Natural ignitions from lightning strikes and man-caused starts are equally responsible for
wildfires in Warm Lake.
Natural ignitions from lightning strikes are the primary source of starts in remote forest locations
like Warm Lake. The abundance of steep slopes, dry weather, and receptive fuels increases the
probability of a lightning strike resulting in a large wildland fire.
The occurrence of man-caused fires is also high due to intense human activity, particularly
recreational use. Debris burning, discarded cigarettes, children playing with matches, fireworks,
roadway fires, and camp fires are just a few of the countless potential human ignition sources.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 138
Travel corridors are strongly correlated with fire starts; as discarded cigarettes, tire fires, and
vehicle fires significantly increase the potential for fire starts. Lastly, forest practices in the area
increases the potential for accidental fire starts. Ignitions from land clearing, equipment, and
debris burning can spark wildland fire.
Power line corridors can become a significant ignition concern, especially in extreme wind
events. Branches or trees coming into contact with live wires could easily ignite nearby fuels.
Fire characteristics will depend on fuel types and moisture levels as well as on weather
conditions at the time of ignition. Fires during periods of drought with high temperatures, Iow
humidity, and strong winds could pose a significant threat to life and property.
4.4.2.3.17.2 Ingress-Egress
The primary access into the summer community of Warm Lake is via Forest Route 22,
otherwise known as the Warm Lake Road. This is a paved two lane highway characterized by
moderate grades and several tight corners. Due to the intense vehicle use on this road and the
proximity of high tension power lines, most of the hazardous fuels have been cleared from the
roadway making it a relatively safe escape/access route.
Forest Route 674 from Yellow Pine and Forest Route 579 from Landmark Ranger Station also
provide access to Warm Lake; however, these are less attractive escape routes. These
roadways are typically more narrow, steep, and windy and are directly adjacent to forest fuels.
Additionally, in the event of a wildfire, they may not immediately lead to a more safe area. It is
also likely that one or more of these escape routes would become impassable in a wildland fire
situation.
Forest Service suppression forces from the Landmark Ranger Station would be able to respond
to an emergency relatively quickly; however, additional resources from Cascade, McCall, or
other wildland fire protection agencies would be much slower due to the remoteness of the
community.
Most of the homes and structures comprising Warm Lake are located on single lane roads that
typically dead end near the lake shore. Much of these roadways are adjacent to dense forest
stands with few turnouts or turnaround areas making access very difficult and dangerous for
large emergency vehicles and personnel. It is likely that an aerial attack would be a much safer
form of suppression due the condition of access routes and the ability to dip water from Warm
Lake.
4.4.2.3.17.3 Infrastructure
Power is provided to structures in Warm Lake by high tension power lines. This corridor follows
nearly the same path as Warm Lake Road. Timber and other fuels have been cleared away
from wires and from the ground below the lines. These corridors need to be periodically
maintained due to the increases potential of sparks.
There are four ground water sources providing structures and facilities in Warm Lake with water.
Many seasonal cabins may not have running water facilities, while some may have drilled
personal wells to gain access to water resources.
4.4.2.3.17.4 Fire Protection
There is no formal structural fire protection near Warm Lake; however, the USDA Forest Service
provides wildland fire protection in the area. Warm Lake has uncomplicated access to water
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 139
resources and the large meadow at the junction of Warm Lake Road and Forest Route 474
could potentially serve as a staging area, helispot, or safety zone for firefighters.
4.4.2.3.17.5 Community Risk Assessment
The primary fire risk in Warm Lake is the abundance of small diameter timber adjacent to
homes typically built with wood siding and decking. These homes are highly flammable and very
difficult to protect in an emergency situation. Very intense recreational activity including the use
of campfires and barbeques significantly increases the likelihood of an ignition. Additionally,
many residents commonly drive ATV's, motorcycles, and other recreational type vehicles not
only on the established road system, but also on a variety of trails and pathways. These
vehicles and their associated fuels could easily cause sparks that ignite nearby fuel beds. A fire
start in any part of the community could potentially threaten many residents and structures due
to the lack of fuel breaks.
The Forest Service maintains two lodges and a small campground to accommodate the needs
of summer residences and visitors. These areas have generally been cleared of hazardous
fuels and campfires are restricted to escape prOof fire pits. Proactive fire mitigation efforts such
as this significantly reduce the risk of an ignition.
The forest habitat types in the surrounding area have a high probability of experiencing a
wildland fire. The conditions for potentially severe, high intensity fires such as heavy continuous
fuels, steep slopes, and relatively frequent summer lightning events are all present.
4.4.2.3.17.6 Mitigation Activities
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents of Valley
County must be made aware that home defensibility starts with the home. Once a fire has
started and is moving toward homes or other valued resources, the probability of that structure
surviving is largely dependent on the structural and landscaping characteristics.
Also of vital importance is the accessibility of the home to emergency apparatus. If safety
procedures cannot be followed, firefighting resources will not jeopardize lives to protect a
structure. The current condition of escape routes and driveways in the Warm Lake area present
operational safety issues. In order to address this issue, residents should consider roadside
treatment options and have a predetermined emergency evacuation plan available.
The mitigation treatments administered by the Forest Service in the campground facility are a
very positive proactive step towards protection from wildland fire. Treatment areas should be
maintained periodically to preserve their effectiveness. Similar treatments around homes and
other high use areas would further reduce the risk of loss by fire.
In many cases, homes' survivability can be greatly enhanced by following a few simple
guidelines that reduce the ignitability of the home. "Living with Fire, A Guide for the Homeowner"
is an excellent tool for educating homeowners as to the steps to take in order to create an
effective defensible space. Residents of Valley County should be encouraged to work with local
fire departments and fire management agencies to complete individual homesite evaluations.
Home defensibility steps should be enacted based on the results of these evaluations. Other
specific activities are likely to include improvement of building codes and campfire and trail
restrictions.
The US Forest Service believes there is an essential need to build a bunkhouse at the USDA
Forest Service Project Camp at Warm Lake. This would house a six-person fire hand crew and
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 140
related fuel reduction personnel. The Fire Crew is the first line of Initial Attack for the entire
Urban Interface in the Warm Lake, Landmark, and Yellow Pine areas. Currently the Fire Crew is
staying in trailers that the USDA Forest Service rents and moves into the area yearly.
4.4.2.3.18 Big Creek- Edwardsburg
4.4.2.3.18.1 Fire Potential
Fuels Assessment
Big Creek - Edwardsburg is located along the west side of the Frank Church- River of No
Return Wilderness, in Valley County at T.21N, R.09 E, Sections 26 and 35 and T. 20 N, R.09 E,
Sections 2 and 11. (Latitude 45 7 46, longitude 115 19 17). There are approximately 24
structures within the Edwardsburg community consisting of residences, and various outbuildings
as sheds, and barns. Big Creek drains through the community north and then east into the
wilderness. Lodgepole pine, mixed fir, Douglas-fir and sub alpine fir habitat types populate the
surrounding areas to the west. Fuel Model 8, 9 and 10 would represent areas in and around the
area. Fires in these fuel types vary depending on the accumulation of dead and down wood
and litter. This area is represented as a Fire Regime 5, lethal, stand replacement in a Condition
Class representation of I (historical level).
Big Creek is a USDA Forest Service owned and operated facility that acts as a major public
portal to the FCRONR Wilderness. There are approximately ten structures in this facility
including living quarters, barns, office, storage, outbuildings and gas house. The area has a
partially completed fuel break around the area. This fuel break constructed in 2003 is
incomplete and lends the structures to be at risk to fire.
Natural ignitions from lightning are the general cause of wildfire in the surrounding area. The
Big Creek - Edwardsburg area has been protected from wildfire during 2000 and 2003. These
fire threats were from lightning fires from the wilderness. Fire suppression efforts outside of and
adjacent to the populated areas have been successfully suppressed.
This area will continue to be threatened from the south/south west by large fires and eventual
failure of initial attack suppression forces. Large fires within the past eight years are Indian Fire
(2000), Marble Fire (2003), and Diamond Fire (2000). The Federal property adjacent to the
area has not received any fuel treatment work that would help protect the area from a large fire.
The community of Edwardsburg is spread over a large area. Treatments within the community
have occurred each time structure protection for the community due to large fires. Suppression
forces have completed thinning and pruning along roads and onto private properties. This
treatment would be partially effective if resources were in position when the fire threat arrived.
4.4.2.3.18.2 Ingress-Egress
The primary access into the Big Creek- Edwardsburg area is via Forest Road 340, which leads
approximately 25 miles from the townsite of Yellowpine, Idaho. This road provides a good route
of escape if the fire is towards the north/northwest of Edwardsburg. Forest Road 340 also can
provide an escape route. This road is not desirable for use as an escape route due to Iow road
maintenance and slow movement. This road will lead to the South Fork Guard Station and
eventually to Warren, Idaho. If these roads are cut off due to fire activity, areas best equipped
for surviving a large fire would be the Big Creek Air Strip and other areas identified in the Big
Creek Evacuation Plan.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page
4.4.2.3.18.3 Infrastructure
There are no commercial power lines or electricity within the area. Individual generators or
natural gas provides power and lighting
4.4.2.3.18.4 Fire Protection
There is no formal structural fire protection for Big Creek or Edwardsburg. The USDA Forest
Service provides wild land fire protection in the area.
4.4.2.3.18.5 Community Risk Assessment
The primary risk in Big Creek - Edwardsburg is from the untreated surrounding timbered areas
adjacent to the structures. A significant number of residences have received fuel treatment
adjacent to the structures during the 2000 and 2003 wildfires seasons. This treatment consisted
of thinning, pruning, removal and chipping of the slash alongside of roadways and residences.
This was only completed on property with permission from the landowners
The forest habitat types in the surrounding area have a high probability of experiencing a large
(100 acres plus) wild land fire. The conditions for potentially severe, high intensity fires as
heavy continuous fuels, steep slopes and frequent summer lightning events are all present.
4.4.2.3.18.6 Mitigation Activities
Effective mitigation strategies begin with public awareness campaigns designed to educate
homeowners of the risks associated with living in a flammable environment. Residents of Valley
County must be made aware that home defensibility starts with the home. Once a fire has
started and is moving toward homes or other valued resources, the probability of that structure
surviving is largely dependent on the structural and landscaping characteristics.
Also of vital importance is the accessibility of the home to emergency apparatus. If safety
procedures cannot be followed, firefighting resources will not jeopardize lives to protect a
structure. The current condition of escape routes and driveways in the Warm Lake area present
operational safety issues. In order to address this issue, residents should consider roadside
treatment options and have a predetermined emergency evacuation plan available.
Mitigation treatments administered by the Forest Service during the wildfire years of 2000 and
2003 were helpful as starting point for fire protection of structures within the community of
Edwardsburg and Big Creek. Further fuels reduction treatments remain to be assessed and
completed within the private sections. Forest properties need to be evaluated for fuels
reduction treatments around the entire private area. These areas need to include removal and
thinning of the dense area to reduce the threat of crown fire from entering the community.
These treatment areas need to reduce the fire behavior of the fuels from maintaining an active
crown fire and reduce spotting distances, allowing equipment and personnel an opportunity to
suppress the ground fire prior to reaching the community.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 142
4.4.2.3.t9 Trails End Subdivision (formerly known as Shirley McClain Ranch)
4.4.2.3.19.1 Fuels Assessment
Trails End Subdivision is located along the South Fork of the Salmon River at T21N, R07E,
Section 2 (Latitude 45 11 14, Longitude 115 33 58). There are approximately 35 structures
located here. They consist of approximately 13 residences, barns and various out buildings.
Within the Trails end subdivision is another smaller subdivision named Trillium. It currently has
no structures. Ponderosa pine and dry Douglas-fir habitat types populate the surrounding areas
of this subdivision. Fuel Model 2, 8, and some 9 would represent areas in and around the area.
Fires in these fuel types vary depending on the accumulation of dead and down wood and litter.
This area is represented as a Fire Regime 1, non- lethal, in a Condition Class 1 status. The
Chicken Fire of 1994 threatened this area. The fire burned four small cabins and moved past
the subdivision on both sides of the South Fork Salmon River.
Natural ignitions from lightning are the general cause of wildfire in the surrounding area. Fire
suppression efforts on adjacent Federal property area have been successfully suppressed.
This area will be threatened from the south/southwest by large fires and eventual failure of initial
attack suppression forces. Large fires within the past eight years are Nick Peak Fire (2000), and
Chicken Peak (1994). The Federal property adjacent to the area has not received any fuel
treatment work that would help protect the area from a large fire. The locations of past large
fires were stand replacing and will create a large fuel break and lessen fire intensity and spread
towards the subdivision.
4.4.2.3.19.2 Ingress-Egress
The primary access into the Trail Ends Subdivision is via Forest Road 340, from the town of
Warren, Idaho. Secondary access would be from Edwardsburg, Idaho. The access from
Warren provides a good route of escape if the fire moving from the south/southwest towards the
ranch. Forest Road 340 also can provide an escape route up and over Elk Creek Summit into
Edwardsburg. This road is not desirable for use as an escape route due to Iow road
maintenance and slow movement.
4.4.2.3.19.3 Infrastructure
There are no commercial power lines or electricity within the area. Individual generators or
natural gas provides power and lighting
4.4.2.3.19.4 Fire Protection
There is no formal structural fire protection for the Trails End Subdivision. The USDA Forest
Service provides wild land fire protection in the area.
4.4.2.3.19.5 Community Risk Assessment
The primary risk to the Trails End Subdivision is from the remaining, untreated timbered areas
adjacent to the structures on both private and Federal properties No known fuels reduction
projects have been completed around this property.
The forest habitat types in the surrounding area still have a high probability of experiencing a
large (100 acres plus) wild land fire. The conditions for potentially severe, high intensity fires as
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 143
heavy fuels, steep slopes, frequent summer lightning events, and light, dry fuels as grass and
brush are all present.
4.4.2.3.19.6 Mitigation Activities
No known mitigation measures. A structure protection plan for the structures associated with
this property needs to be completed or revised and placed within the Forest Service files for
future use.
4.4.2.3.20 Taylor Creek Ranch
Taylor Creek Ranch was burned around during the summer of 2000 by the Diamond Fire. It
does not need any work within the Forest boundary.
4.4.2.3.21 Elk Creek Ranch
4.4.2.3.21.1 Fire Potential
Fuels Assessment
Elk Creek Ranch is located on the mouth of Elk Creek where it flows into the South Fork of the
Salmon River. There are approximately five structures located here. They consist of one
residence, a barn and various out buildings Legal location for this ranch is T21 N, R07E, Section
15 (Latitude 44 22 28, Longitude 115 36 18). Ponderosa pine and dry Douglas fir habitat types
populate the surrounding areas of this ranch. Fuel Model 2, 8, and some 9 would represent
areas in and around the area. Fires in these fuel types vary depending on the accumulation of
dead and down wood and litter. This area is represented as a Fire Regime 1, non- lethal, in a
Condition Class 2 status. The wild fires of 1994 and 2000 did not burn onto this area.
Natural ignitions from lightning are the general cause of wildfire in the surrounding area. Fire
suppression efforts on adjacent Federal property area have been successfully suppressed.
This area will be threatened from the south/southwest by large fires and eventual failure of initial
attack suppression forces. Large fires within the past eight years are Nick peak Fire (2000), and
Chicken Peak (1994). The Federal property adjacent to the area has not received any fuel
treatment work that would help protect the area from a large fire.
4.4.2.3.21.2 Ingress-Egress
The primary access into the Elk Creek Ranch is via Forest Road 340, from the town of Warren,
Idaho. Secondary access would be from Edwardsburg, Idaho. The access from Warren
provides a good route of escape if the fire moving from the south/southwest towards the ranch.
Forest Road 340 also can provide an escape route up and over Elk Creek Summit into
Edwardsburg. This road is not desirable for use as an escape route due to Iow road
maintenance and slow movement
4.4.2.3.21.3 Infrastructure
There are no commercial power lines or electricity within the area. Individual generators or
natural gas provides power and lighting
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 144
4.4.2.3.21.4 Fire Protection
There is no formal structural fire protection for the Elk Creek Ranch. The USDA Forest Service
provides wild land fire protection in the area.
4.4.2.3.21.5 Community Risk Assessment
The primary risk to the Elk Creek Ranch is from the untreated surrounding timbered areas
adjacent to the structures on both private and Federal properties No known fuels reduction
projects have been completed around this property.
The forest habitat types in the surrounding area have a high probability of experiencing a large
(100 acres plus) wild land fire. The conditions for potentially severe, high intensity fires as
heavy continuous fuels, steep slopes, frequent summer lightning events, and light, dry fuels as
grass and brush are all present.
4.4.2.3.21.6 Mitigation Activities
No known mitigation measures. A structure protection plan for the structures associated with
this property needs to be completed and placed within the Forest Service files for future use.
4.4.2.3.22 Yellow Jacket Ranch
4.4.2.3.22.1 Fire Potential
Fuels Assessment
Yellow Jacket Ranch is located approximately two miles up Elk Creek Road from the South Fork
of the Salmon River. There are approximately six structures located here. They consist of one
residence, a barn and various out buildings Legal location for this ranch is T21 N, R07E,
Sections 13,14, 23 and 24 (Latitude 45 09 30, Longitude 115 32 44). Ponderosa pine and dry
Douglas fir habitat types populate the surrounding areas of this ranch. Fuel Model 2, 8, and
some 9 would represent areas in and around the area. Fires in these fuel types vary depending
on the accumulation of dead and down wood and litter. This area is represented as a Fire
Regime 1, non- lethal, in a Condition Class 2 status. The wild fires of 1994 and 2000 did not
burn onto this area.
Natural ignitions from lightning are the general cause of wildfire in the surrounding area. Fire
suppression efforts on adjacent Federal property area have been successfully suppressed.
This area will be threatened from the south/southwest by large fires and eventual failure of initial
attack suppression forces. Large fires within the past eight years are Nick Peak Fire (2000), and
Chicken Peak (1994). The Federal property adjacent to the area has not received any fuel
treatment work that would help protect the area from a large fire.
4.4.2.3.22.2 Ingress-Egress
The primary access into the Elk Creek Ranch is via Forest Road 340, from the town of Warren,
Idaho. Secondary access would be from Edwardsburg, Idaho. The access from Warren
provides a good route of escape if the fire moving from the south/southwest towards the ranch.
Forest Road 340 also can provide an escape route up and over Elk Creek Summit into
Edwardsburg. This road is not desirable for use as an escape route due to Iow road
maintenance and slow movement.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page f45
4.4.2.3.22.3 Infrastructure
There are no commercial power lines or electricity within the area. Individual generators or
natural gas provides power and lighting
4.4.2.3.22.4 Fire Protection
There is no formal structural fire protection for the Elk Creek Ranch. The USDA Forest Service
provides wild land fire protection in the area.
4.4.2.3.22.5 Community Risk Assessment
The primary risk to the Elk Creek Ranch is from the untreated surrounding timbered areas
adjacent to the structures on both private and Federal properties No known fuels reduction
projects have been completed around this property.
The forest habitat types in the surrounding area have a high probability of experiencing a large
(100 acres plus) wild land fire. The conditions for potentially severe, high intensity fires as both
heavy continuous fuels, steep slopes, frequent summer lightning events, and light, dry fuels as
grass and brush are all present.
4.4.2.3.22.6 Mitigation Activities
No known mitigation measures. A structure protection plan for the structures associated with
this property needs to be completed and placed within the Forest Service files for future use.
4,4.2.3.23 Lake Fork Guard Station
4.4.2.3.23.1 Fire Potential
Fuels Assessment
Lake Fork Guard Station is located approximately nine miles east of McCall Idaho on Forest
Road 412 (Lick Creek Road) at T.18N, R04 E, Section 3 (Latitude 44 55 35, Longitude 115 57
12). There are approximately five structures located here. They consist of one office, a
bunkhouse and various out. Ponderosa pine, grand fir, and dry Douglas fir habitat types
populate the surrounding areas of Forest Service Administration site.. Fuel Model 8, 9 and
some 10 would represent the area. Fires in these fuel types vary depending on the
accumulation of dead and down wood and litter. This area is represented as a Fire Regime 3,
mixed severity in a Condition Class 2 status. The wild fires of 1994 did not burn onto this area.
Natural ignitions from lightning are the general cause of wildfire in the surrounding area. Fire
suppression efforts on adjacent Federal property area have been successfully suppressed.
This area will be threatened from the south/southwest by large fires and eventual failure of initial
attack suppression forces. Large fires within the past eight years are Nick Peak Fire (2000),
Corral/Blackwell (1994) and North Fork Lick (1994). The property adjacent to the area has not
received any fuel treatment work that would help protect the area from a large fire.
4.4.2.3.23.2 Ingress-Egress
The primary access into the Elk Creek Ranch is via Forest Road 410, from the town of McCall,
Idaho. Secondary access would be from Road 412 North. The access from McCall provides a
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 146
good route of escape to the north if the fire moving from the south/southwest towards the Guard
Station. Forest Road 410 also can provide an escape route up and over Lick Creek Summit into
the South Fork Salmon River drainage. This road is desirable for use as an escape route due to
past wildfire burned areas from 1994.
4.4.2.3.23.3 Infrastructure
There are no commercial power lines or electricity within the area. Individual generators or
natural gas provides power and lighting
4.4.2.3.23,4 Fire Protection
There is no formal structural fire protection for the Lake Fork Guard Station. The USDA Forest
Service provides wild land fire protection in the area.
4.4.2.3.23.$ Community Risk Assessment
The primary risk to the Lake Fork Guard Station is from the untreated surrounding timbered
areas adjacent to the structures on both private and Federal properties. No known fuels
reduction projects have been completed around this property.
The forest habitat types in the surrounding area have a high probability of experiencing a large
(100 acres plus) wild land fire. The conditions for potentially severe, high intensity fires as
heavy continuous fuels, steep slopes, and frequent summer lightning events.
4.4.2.3.23.6 Mitigation Activities
No known mitigation measures. A structure protection plan for the structures associated with
this property needs to be completed and placed within the Forest Service files for future use.
4.5 Fire Fighting Resources and Capabilities
The Fire Fighting Resources and Capabilities information provided in this section (4.5) is a
summary of information provided by the Valley Interagency Interface Group (VIIG). VIIG is a
cooperating interagency group of Valley County fire suppression entities designed to cooperate
with and assist each other and the Group in the planning, recommendation, development, and
implementation of programs and projects addressing wildland/urban interface issues in Valley
County. Membership in the Valley Interagency Interface Group is open to any entity having land
ownership, management, or administrative jurisdiction in Valley County, Idaho. VIIG has
developed the Valley Interagency Interface Group Operations Plan, which provides guidance for
the Valley Interagency Interface Group in the cooperative management of wildland/urban
mitigation, preparation, response and recovery activities in Valley County. As an emergency
plan for the county it supports, and is a supplement to, the Valley County Emergency
Operations Plan.
Valley Interagency Interface Group Participants include:
· Valley County
· City of McCall
· City of Donnelly
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 147
· City of Cascade
· Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association
· McCall Fire Protection District
· Donnelly Rural Fire Protection District
· Cascade Rural Fire Protection District
· Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services
· United States Department of Interior - Bureau of Reclamation
· United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service - Boise National Forest
· United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service - Payette National Forest
· American Red Cross
It is recognized that each agency has a primary responsibility to its own governing body, and
each agency agrees to send resources to each others aid as circumstances may permit. Formal
written agreements or contracts, establishing or in support of the VIIG, or between two or more
members of the VIIG are encouraged.
Goals of VlIG:
1.
The Group serves to advise the cooperating entities in matters related to the
wildland/urban interface.
2. The Group will, through public and agency participation, develop, prioritize, and address
wildland/urban interface issues facing the citizens of Valley County.
3. The Group will, through public and agency participation, develop plans and recommend
actions for management of identified issues and make recommendations to appropriate
levels of government.
4. The Group will promote the development of citizen awareness of wildland/urban
interface issues and initiatives.
5. Where plans and recommended actions developed by the Group involve owners and
operators of private land and require the assistance of any cooperating entity, the Group
may pursue the development of agreements among those owners, operators, and the
cooperating entities, in order to implement said plans and/or actions in a timely manner.
4.5.1 Wildland Fire Districts
4.5.1.1 Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association
McCall Headquarters:
Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association
555 Deinhard Lane
McCall, ID 83638
208-634-2268 (links to radio/telephone interface number 634-3030 after hours).
Cascade Field Office:
Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association
810 S. Main
Cascade, ID 83611
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 148
208-382-4105
Association Description:
The Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association (SITPA) is a private, non-profit timber
protective association that has specialized in wildland fire suppression and hazard reduction
services for the past 100 years. Through a formal agreement with the state of Idaho, SITPA is
responsible for wildland fire protection on 565,060 acres of private, county, state, and federal
forest and range lands within its defined fire protection boundary. SITPA operates two facilities,
the headquarters in McCall and a field office/warehouse in Cascade, and staffs three fire
lookouts (Brundage Mountain, No Business, and Tripod Lookouts). SITPA employs a total of 23
permanent, permanent part-time and seasonal employees.
Current Resources:
McCall
· Engine 1, Type VI, 1995 Ford F-250, 4x4,200 gal., 50 gpm
· Engine 3, Type VI, 1970 Gamma Gote ATV, 6x6, 200 gal., 50 gpm
· Engine 10, Type VI, 1997 Ford F-350, 4x4, 300 gal., 50 gpm
· Engine 14, Type VI, 1988 F-350, 4x4, 300 gal., 50 gpm
· Engine 16, Type VI, 1970 Gamma Gore ATV, 6x6, 200 gal., 50 gpm
· Water Tender 27, Type II, 1975 Jeep 5 ton, 6x6, 2500 gal., 264 gpm
· Dozer 46, Type V, 1991 John Deere 550G
· Excavator 52, 2001 CAT 312C
· Transport 40, 1990 Kenworth T800 tractor with trailer
* The Idaho Department of Lands is currently in the process of negotiating a contract to station
two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATS) at McCall in 2004. If successful, the aircraft will be two
AT-802 Air Tractors, each with an 800 gallon capacity.
Cascade
· Engine 9, Type VI, 1997 Ford F-350, 4x4, 300 gal., 50 gpm
· Engine 15, Type VI, 1988 Ford F-350, 4x4, 300 gal., 50 gpm
· Engine 17, Type VI, 1970 Gamma Gote ATV, 6x6, 200 gal., 50 gpm
· Engine 22, Type VI, 1997 Ford F-250, 4x4, 200 gal., 50 gpm
· Water Tender 26, Type III, 1970 American General, 6x6, 1500 gal., 138 gpm
· Dozer 48, Type V, 1994 CAT D4C
· Excavator 51, 1997 CAT 312B
· Transport 39, 1980 Astro tractor with trailer
Mutual Aid Agreements:
As an extension of their existing agreement, SITPA functions as an agent of the Idaho
Department of Lands (IDL) providing wildland fire protection for the Payette Lakes Supervisory
Area and portions of the Southwest Idaho Supervisory Area. In addition, SITPA as an agent of
IDL is party to the statewide Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement between USDI-BLM
(Idaho), USDI-NPS (Pacific West Field Area), USDI-BIA (Portland Area), USDI-FWS (Pacific
Region), USDA-FS (Intermountain and Northern Regions) and IDL. SITPA also functions as an
agent of IDL in executing its Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement between USDI-BOR
(Pacific Northwest Region) and IDL. In addition, IDL/SITPA has entered into mutual assistance
agreements with Cascade Rural Fire Department, Donnelly Rural Fire Department, McCall Fire
Protection District, and New Meadows Fire Department for wildland fire protection.
Largest Problem Areas:
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page f49
Multiple subdivisions throughout SITPA's protection area where people and homes are
potentially threatened by wildland fire are the highest concern. Continued population growth
and development characterized by an urban population moving to a previously rural
environment and seeking to maintain "wilderness" characteristics. The high numbers of part
time residents make it difficult to reach homeowners with an effective wildland fire education
program.
Resource Needs:
1. Secure regular funding to staff two initial attack engines at Cascade and meet the NWCG
staffing standard of three people per engine. Currently the single engine is staffed with two
fireflghters. Cost: Add four firefighters for 5 month season at $8,900 per firefighter - Total:
$35,600.
2. Secure regular funding for two additional firefighters at McCall to meet NWCG staffing
standard of three people per initial attack engine. Cost: Add two fireflghters for 5 month
season at $8,900 per firefighter - Total: $17,800.
3. Secure funding to replace aging Engines 14 and 15 (Type VI) and meet current NWCG
standards. Engines currently must be downloaded due to weight restrictions on vehicle
chassis. Cost: $98,000.
4. Upgrade/replace Water Tenders 26 and 27. Both are currently serviceable, but both are
mounted on 29 and 34 year old Federal Excess Property military truck chassis. Cost:
Federal Excess Property.
4,5.1.2 Payette National Forest
Available Resources:
· Engine 1-1, Type IV 4x4 750 gallons (Council)
· Engine 1-2, Type VI 4x4 300 gallons (Council)
· Engine 2-1, Type IV 4x4 750 gallons (Weiser)
· Engine 2-2, Type VI 4x4 300 gallons (Weiser)
· Engine 3-1, Type IV 2x4 750 gallons (New Meadows)
· Water Tender 3, Type II 2600 gallons (New Meadows)
· Engine 4-1, Type IV 4x4 750 gallons (McCall)
· Engine 4-2, Type VI 4x4 300 gallons (McCall)
· Helicopter, Type III wi 16 Rappellers (Krassell)
· Helicopter 69H, Type II Bell 205++ wi 15 Rappellers (Price Valley)
· Helicopter, Type II wi 10 Rappellers (Price Valley)
· Jumper 4-1, Twin Otter wi 9 Smokejumpers (McCall)
· Jumper 4-2, Turbine DC-3 wi 8 Smokejumpers (McCall)
· Lead 4-7, Beach Baron (McCall)
· Air Attack, Type II Cessna 206 (McCall)
· Air Attack, Type II Cessna 206 (McCall)
· Detection/Recon, Cessna 206 type (5-7 aircraft) (McCall)
· Pumps-Hose-Radios-misc-Firefighting Equipment, Payette Warehouse (McCall)
4.5.1.3 Boise National Forest
Available Resources- North Zone:
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page
· AFMO Battalion 4, T3 lC w 4x4 (Cascade)
· Crew 41, 6 person hand crew (Warm Lake)
· Patrol 41,150 gallon Patrol 4x4/FINV (Cascade)
· Engine 42, Type IV 500 gallon 4x2 (Cascade)
· FMO Division 6, T3 lC w/4x4 (Garden Valley)
· AFMO Battalion 6, T3 lC w/4x4 (Garden Valley)
· Engine 61, Type IV 750 gallon 4x4 (Garden Valley)
· Garden Valley Helitack, T3 Helicopter w/12 Rappellers (Garden Valley)
· Boise Hotshots, T1 Crew w/20 (Garden Valley)
· AFMO Battalion 5, T3 lC w/4x4 (Lowman)
· Engine 51, Type IV 750 gallon 4x4 (Lowman)
· Patrol 51, 75 gallon Patrol 4x4 FINV (Lowman)
· Crew 5, T2 Crew w/20
Available Resources- South Zone:
· AFMO Battalion 3, T3 lC w/4x4 (Idaho City)
· Engine 31, Type IV 750 gallon 4x4 (Idaho City)
· Patrol 31,150 gallon Patrol 4x4 (Idaho City)
· Idaho City Hotshots, T1 Crew wi 20 (Idaho City)
· Crew 3, T2 Crew w/20 (Idaho City)
· FMO Division 1, T3 lC w/4x4 (Boise)
· AFMO Battalion 1, T3 lC w/4x4 (Mountain Home)
· Engine 11, Type IV 750 gallon 4x4 (Lester Creek)
· Engine 21, Type IV 750 gallon 4x4 (Lucky Peak)
· Crew 11, 6 person hand crew (Lester Creek)
· Patrol 11,150 Patrol 4x4 FI NV (Lucky Peak)
· Lucky Peak Helitack, T2 Helicopter w/12 Rappellers (Lucky Peak)
· Air Attack (2), T1 and T2 Air Attack (Boise)
· Air Tanker, T2 Air Tanker (Boise)
4.5.2 Rural Fire Districts
4.5.2.1 McCall Fire Protection District
Available Resources:
· Engine 3, International 200 gallon
· Engine 4, GMC 350 gallon
· Engine 7, Mack 500 gallon
· Engine 8, Mack 500 gallon
· Engine 11, Pierce 750 gallon
· Water Tender 1, International 3000 gallon
· Fire Boat, Pumping capabilities 250 GPM
· EMS 01, Ford ISLAmbulance
· EMS 02, Ford ISL Ambulance
· EMS 03, Ford ISL Ambulance
**McCafl Fire and EMS have trained Rock Rescue personnel and an eight member Dive team.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 151
Needed Resources:
· 2000 gallon Tactical Water Tender with 500 gpm pump
· Upgraded Personal Protective Equipment
· Additional drafting locations around Payette Lake (dry hydrants and/or self-filling
tanks)
4.5.2.2 Donnelly Rural Fire Protection District
Available Resources:
· Pick-up, Ford 2 ton 4x4
· Engine, Ford % ton 200 gallons
· Engine, International KB12 500 gallons
· Engine, American Lafrance 300 gallons
· Water Tender, Ford 1500 gallons
· Ambulance, 1994 Chevrolet
· Support Vehicle, Light Plant-Back Boards-Medic.-Extrication & Rescue
4.5.2.3 Cascade Rural Fire District and EMS
James Hass, Chief
208-382-3200
Available Resources:
· Engine 1, Structure Engine 1000 gallon (Clear Creek #2)
· Engine 2, 4x4 Structure Engine 1000 galllon (Cascade #1)
· Engine 3, Structure 250 gallon (West Mountain #3)
· Water Tender 1, 6x6 1000 gallon (Cascade #1)
· Water Tender 2, 6x6 1000 gallon (West Mountain #3)
· Water Tender 3, 4x2 1400 gallon (Clear Creek #2)
· Water Tender 4, White 4000 gallon (Cascade #1)
· Rescue 1,4x4 300 gallon w/dry chem... (Cascade #1)
· Rescue 2, % ton Ford 4x4 (support) (Cascade #1)
· Sled 1, Arctic Cat Snowmobile (Cascade #1)
· Medic 1, Type II 4x4 Ambulance (Cascade #1)
· Medic 2, Type II 4x4 Ambulance (Cascade #1)
· Medic 3, Type II 4x4 Ambulance (Smith's Ferry)
Needed Resources:
· Small 4x4 Brush Trucks
· Brush Fire Fighting Equipment (foam application equipment, hand tools)
· Fold-a-Tanks
· Education Program for homeowners in fire district
· Upgraded Personal Protective Equipment
· Increased Firefighter Training
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page
4.5.2.4 Cascade City Fire Department
Available Resources:
· Engine 182, Structure 500 gallon
· Engine 183, Structure 750 gallon
· Engine 185, Structure/Interface 885 gallon
Needed Resources:
· Brush Fire Fighting Equipment (foam application equipment, small portable water
pumps, handtools)
· Small 4x4 Brush Trucks
· Installation of water supply systems in subdivisions that are at high risk (hydrants
and/or large water storage tanks)
· Upgraded Personal Protective Equipment
· Increased Firefighter Training
4. 6 Issues Facing Valley County Fire Protection
4.6.1 Persistent Rapid Growth
Growth will continue to present the greatest challenge to fire management in the urban interface
over the long term. The dramatic increase in demand for second and seasonal homes
throughout Valley County has resulted in significant changes in land use patterns. Many
agricultural lands and private non-industrial forest lands have been sold and subdivided over the
last few decades, pushing residential development further into the timberlands. This trend will
continue into the future, as forestlands owned and actively managed by Boise Corporation are
sold for real estate development. This will have a dramatic effect on the ability of emergency
resources to maintain current levels of fire protection without considerable increases in funding
for equipment, personnel, and training. Indeed, most emergency response resources in Valley
County are already at a critical threshold. Further increases in protection responsibility will come
at the expense of preparedness, as emergency resources are increasingly spread over an
expanding protection area.
4.6.2 Accessibility
Fire Chiefs throughout the County have identified home accessibility issues as a primary
concern in Valley County. It appears as through many homes and driveways have been
constructed without regard to access requirements of large emergency vehicles. Lack of
accessibility precludes engagement by suppression resources. Many homes within fire
protection districts in Valley County effectively have no fire protection simply because access is
not possible or is potentially dangerous. Enforcement of Building Codes, including road and
driveway construction standards for fire apparatus established by the International Fire Code
would prevent accessibility issues in new developments.
4.6.3 Seasonal residents
Many developments in Valley County contain a significant number of part time residents and
second home landowners (estimated at 80% of the county's homeowners). This trend impairs
the ability of suppression personnel to contact landowners about concerns or emergencies
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 153
affecting their property. Additionally, education programs designed to relay information
regarding fire mitigation and safety have difficulty reaching seasonal residents. In many cases,
these residents want to maintain an "outdoorsy" look around their home or cabin, but are
unaware or are unconcerned with the fire risk associated with these fuels.
4.6.4 Creation of Smith's Ferry Fire District
Currently, the community of Smith's Ferry and homes in the surrounding area including many of
those in the growing High Valley residential development are unprotected by any formal
structural fire protection district. The Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association and the
USDA Forest Service provide wildland fire protection; however, response time for emergency
personnel from Cascade or Boise would be relatively slow. Due to the combination of timber
and rangelands, a wildfire could potentially spread to residential areas before suppression
resources arrived. Communities and private landowners need to take action to create a new fire
district in order to provide fire protection resources and personnel to the citizens of Smith's Ferry
and the surrounding area.
4.7 Current Wildfire Mitigation Activities in Valley County
4.7.1 Payette Lake Vicinity Timber Sales
There are currently several Idaho Department of Lands timber sales slated in the Payette Lake
and city of McCall vicinity. These sales are designed to reduce fuel loading and unhealthy forest
conditions; thus, decreasing the potential threat of wildfire. In particular, the McCall Salvage
Sale, Eastside Timber Sale, Narrows Timber Sale, and the Falldust Timber Sale will include
harvest practices that result in much of the accumulated slash being concentrated near the
landings where it can be easily piled and burned when conditions are safe. Additionally, there
will be designated Fuel Reduction Zones, which consist of a 100 foot buffer along the perimeter
of the sale in areas adjacent to or nearby roads or structures. Within these zones fuels will be
further reduced by machine piling the slash and burning the piles when conditions are safe.
Sales not specifically mentioned have had forest and hazard management activities
accomplished to improve forest health and minimize the threat of a major wildfire event
according to the rules and regulations of the Idaho Forest Practices Act.
4.7,2 Yellow Pine Fuels Reduction Project
The community of Yellow Pine received a (HFT) federal grant in 2001. The purpose of the grant
was to reduce natural fuels on private land within the townsite. Under the auspices of the Idaho
Department of Lands, a total of 331 acres were treated by various methods including thinning,
pruning, underburning, and pile burning. The guidelines for pruning varied depending on the
presence of structures. Most of the leave stands after thinning had trees spaced approximately
12 to 15 feet apart. In addition to the private land, the Boise and Payette National Forests did
some thinning and pruning to provide shaded fuel breaks on their lands around parts of the
townsite.
4.7.3 Big Creek- Edwardsburg Fuels Reduction Project
The Payette National Forest, Krassel Ranger District is currently in the planning stages of
conducting a fuel reduction project on federal lands surrounding the communities of Big Creek
and Edwardsburg and nearby rural ranches. The goal of the project is to create a fuel break
approximately ¼ mile wide along private property boundaries by removing hazardous fuels.
Work within this WUI area will require collaboration with State, private, and County landowners.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 154
The Big Creek - Edwardsburg area has been repeatedly threatened by large wildfires. This
project is intended to reduce the cost of suppression efforts by mitigating the fire risk.
4.7.4 Ponderosa State Park Fuel Reduction Projects
The Ponderosa State Park has considerable issues with fire and the wildland urban interface.
Not only does the Park receive a high concentration of recreational use, it is also characterized
by fire dependent forest habitat types. In addition to the significant number of recreational
developments and structures throughout both the Peninsula and North Beach Units, there are
several housing developments nearby that would be in danger in the event of a fire within park
boundaries. Officials at Ponderosa State Park have conducted a few small scale thinning and
pruning operations designed to reduce the fuel loading and subsequent fire risk around
developed or high risk areas. Their goal is to increase these operations to include a greater
portion of the timbered areas within the park and to introduce prescribed fire into fire starved
ecosystems. High use areas are frequently cleaned and maintained to reduce the risk of
accidental ignition. Strict regulations on campfire and off-road vehicle use are also enforced.
4.7.5 USDA Forest Service WUI Projects
The Payette National Forest and the Boise National Forest administer the vast majority of
forestlands in Valley County. Both National Forests are playing an active role in reducing fuel
loading within wildland urban interface areas. Their primary goal is to reduce hazardous fuels
while improving forest health. Decreased fuel loading on public forestlands adjacent to
structures or infrastructure will create a defensible space and promote firefighter and public
safety. Additionally, these management activities will benefit forest resources and provide
economic opportunities. Many of the most recent and current projects are focused on reducing
the fire risk near the rural communities of Yellow Pine, Landmark, and High Valley or around
new developments within the WUI. Heavily used recreational areas and road corridors are also
targeted for treatment.
The Payette and Boise national Forests have both been involved with the use of prescribed fire
within the South Fork Salmon River, East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River, Johnson Creek
and Warm Lake areas.
These large scale prescribed burns were begun in the late 1980's and are being continued
presently. These burns have targeted the ponderosa pine stands to reduce natural fuels
accumulations while maintaining the Ponderosa Pine ecosystem. These burns have been
performed with the support of the Idaho State Fish and Wildlife Department and Rocky
Mountain Elk Foundation for improvement of the winter range area within the South Fork
drainage.
There have been approximately 30,000 acres burned by both forest within these areas. The
most recent burns were Six Bit (Boise, 2000 acres) and Parks (Payette, 2500 acres). Additional
prescribed burns are planned within the East Fork South Fork Salmon River, South Fork
Salmon River and Johnson Creek drainages.
Table 4.2. US Forest Service, Boise National Forest, Cascade Ranger District Past WUI Projects: 1996-2004
Date Proiect Name Acres Legal Location Treatment Type Community Protected
1996 Warm Lake Creek 580 T15N, R7E, Sec. RX Fire Warm Lake Summer
HF
................................................................................... _ .H...o_r0_e_s_ ...........................................
1997 Reeves Creek HF 1,900 T16N R7E, Sec. PO( Fire Paradise Valley
~.2_.. ........................................................................................................................ .$ u__b.~ i_v.!si__o_n .................................
1997 Yellow Pine 1 10 T19N RSE Sec Mech. & RX Fire City of Yellow Pine
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 155
Table 4.2. US Forest Service, Boise National Forest, Cascade Ranger District Past WUI Projects: 1996-2004
Date Project Name Acres Le~lal Location Treatment Type Community Protected
29
1998 Chipmunk Creek 2,011 T15N, R7E, Sec. RX Fire Warm Lake Summer
8
Homes
1998 Yellow Pine 2 98 T19N, R8E, Sec, Mech. & RX Fire City of Yellow Pine
29
1999 Yellow Pine 3 & 4 58 T19N, R8E, Sec, RX Fire City of Yellow Pine
29
2000 Yellow Pine 5 98 T19N, R8E, Sec, Mech. & RX Fire City of Yellow Pine
29
2001 Warm Lake South HF 161 T15N, R6E, Sec. Mech. & RX Fire Kinney Point Subdivision
13
2002 Warm Lake North HF 72 T15N, ReE, Sec. Mech. & RX Fire Shoreline Subdivision
1
2004 Church Camp HF 56 T15N, R7E, Sec. Mech. & RX Fire Conservative Baptist
7 Camp
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 156
I ChaPter 5: Treatment ReCOmmendations
5 Overview
Critical to the implementation of this Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan will be the
identification of, and implementation of, an integrated schedule of treatments targeted at
achieving an elimination of the lives lost, and reduction in structures destroyed, infrastructure
compromised, and unique ecosystems damaged that serve to sustain the way-of-life and
economy of Valley County and the region. Since there are many land management agencies
and hundreds of private landowners in Valley County, it is reasonable to expect that differing
schedules of adoption will be made and varying degrees of compliance will be observed across
all ownerships.
The Federal land management agencies in Valley County, specifically the USDA Forest Service
and the Bureau of Land Management, and the state land management agency, the Idaho
Department of Lands, are participants in this planning process and have contributed to its
development. Where available, their schedule of WUI treatments has been summarized in this
chapter to better facilitate a correlation between their identified planning efforts and the efforts of
Valley County.
5. l Possible Fire Mitigation Activities
As part of the implementation of fire mitigation activities in Valley County, a variety of
management tools may be used. Management tools include but are not limited to the following:
· Homeowner and landowner education
· Building code changes for structures and infrastructure in the WUI
· Homesite defensible zone through fuels modification
· Community defensible zone fuels alteration
· Access improvements
· Access creation
· Emergency response enhancements (training, equipment, locating new fire stations,
new fire districts, merging existing districts)
· Regional land management recommendations for private, state, and federal landowners
Maintaining private property rights will continue to be one of the guiding principles of this plan's
implementation. Sound risk management is a foundation for all fire management activities.
Risks and uncertainties relating to fire management activities must be understood, analyzed,
communicated, and managed as they relate to the cost of either doing or not doing an activity.
Net gains to the public benefit will be an important component of decisions.
5.2 WUI Safety & Policy
Wildfire mitigation efforts must be supported by a set of policies and regulations at the county
level that maintain a solid foundation for safety and consistency. The recommendations
enumerated here serve that purpose. Because these items are regulatory in nature, they will not
necessarily be accompanied by cost estimates. These recommendations are policy related in
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 157
nature and therefore are recommendations to the appropriate elected officials; debate and
formulation of alternatives will serve to make these recommendations suitable and appropriate.
As part of the Policy of Valley County in relation to this planning document, this entire Wildland-
Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan should be reviewed annually at a special meeting of
the Valley County Commissioners, open to the public, where action items, priorities, budgets,
and modifications can be made or confirmed. A written review of the plan should be approved
by the Chairman of the County Commissioners, detailing plans for the year's activities, and
made available to the general public ahead of the meeting (in accord with the Idaho Open
Public Meeting Laws). Amendments to the plan should be detailed at this meeting, documented,
and attached to the formal plan as an amendment to the WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan
(signatures by the cooperators would be collected at the Chairman's discretion). Re-evaluation
of this plan should be made on the 5th anniversary of its acceptance, and every 5-year period
following.
Prioritization of activities recommended in this plan should be made by the Valley County
Commissioners consistent with the recommendations made in Chapter I of this document.
During the annual review of this plan, reprioritization can be justified in response to changing
conditions and funding opportunities.
5.2.1 Existing Practices That Should Continue
Valley County currently is implementing many projects and activities that, in their absence,
could lead to increased wildland fire loss potential. By enumerating some of them here, it is the
desire of the authors to point out successful activities.
Existing rural addressing efforts have aided emergency responses well.
· The development and implementation of the County's Comprehensive Growth Plan
dove-tails with this planning effort well.
· Land management agencies within the County are conducting fuel reduction projects in
response to the increasing concern of fire hazard in WUI areas.
· New developments including the Tamarack Resort are implementing building codes and
landscaping techniques that increase their safety and the safety and effectiveness of
emergency response personnel in the event of a wildland fire.
· The Valley Interagency Interface Group has been developed as a subcommittee of the
Local Emergency Planning Committee chartered to facilitate cooperative management of
wildland-urban interface issues.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 158
5.2.2 Proposed Activities
Table 5.1. WUI Action Items in Safety and Policy.
Action Item Goals and Objectives
5.1.a: Consider
amending existing
building codes to apply
equally to new single
housing construction as
it does to sub-divisions.
Make sure existing policy
is comprehensive to
wildland fire risks.
Protection of people and
structures by applying a
standard of road widths,
access, and building
regulations suitable to
insure new homes can be
protected while minimizing
risks to firefighters.
(defensible space, roads
and access management,
water systems, building
codes, signage, and
maintenance of private
Responsible
Or~lanization
County Commissioners
in cooperation with Rural
Fire Districts and Planning
and Zoning.
Action Items &
Plannin~l Horizon
· Year 1 debate and
adoption of revised code
if warrented (2004).
· Review adequacy of
changes annually, make
changes as needed.
5.1.b: Develop County Protection of people and County Commissioners Year 1 (2004) activity:
policy concerning structures by improving Office in cooperation with Consider and develop
building materials used the ability of emergency Rural Fire Departments policy (if deemed
in high-risk WUI areas on response personnel to necessary) to address
existing structures and respond to threatened construction materials for
new construction homes in high-risk areas, homes and businesses
located in high wildfire risk
areas. Specifically, a
County policy concerning
wooden roofing materials
and flammable siding,
especially where
juxtaposed near heavy
5.1.c: Formally recognize Protection of people and County Commissioners Year 1 (2004) activity:
Valley Interagency structures by improving Office Formally adopt the Valley
Interface Group (VlIG) as the ability of decision Interagency Interface
the County's Wildland- makers to make informed Group as a WUI advisory
Urban Interface Advisory decisions about wildfire council, its membership
Group. issues, and service decided on by
the County
Commissioners, to
collaborate on WUI issues
within Valley County.
Members potentially to
include land management
organizations and
companies, private
landowners, and fire
5.1.d: Develop a County Protection of people and County Commissioners Ongoing activity: Support
Office
grant applications as
requested in a manner
consistent with
applications from residents
and organizations in Valley
County.
Commissioner's Office
policy to support the
applications for grant
monies for projects
resulting from
recommendations in this
plan.
structures by improving
the ability of residents and
organizations to implement
sometimes costly projects.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 159
5.3 People and Structures
The protection of people and structures will be tied together closely as the loss of life in the
event of a wildland fire is generally linked to a person who could not, or did not, flee a structure
threatened by a wildfire. The other incident is a fire fighter who suffers the loss of life during the
combating of a fire. Many of the recommendations in this section will define a set of criteria for
implementation while others will be rather specific in extent and application.
Many of the recommendations in this section involve education and increasing awareness of the
residents of Valley County. These recommendations stem from a variety of factors including
items that became obvious during the analysis of the public surveys, discussions during public
meetings, and observations about choices made by residents living in the Wildland-Urban
Interface. Over and over, a common theme was present that pointed to a situation of
landowners not recognizing risk factors:
Homeowners in the public mail survey ranked their homesite wildfire risk factors
significantly lower than a random sample of home rankings completed by fire mitigation
specialists.
· Fire District personnel pointed to numerous examples of inadequate access to homes of
people who believe they have adequate ingress.
· Discussions with the general public indicated an awareness of wildland fire risk, but they
could not specifically identify risk factors.
· Over half of the respondents to the public mail survey indicated (69%) that they want to
participate in educational opportunities focused on the WUI and what they can do to
increase their home's chances of surviving a wildfire.
· Include info on survey results of funding preferences.
In addition to those items enumerated in Table 5.1, residents and policy makers of Valley
County should recognize certain factors that exist today, that in their absence would lead to an
increase in the risk factors associated with wildland fires in the WUI of Valley County. These
items listed below should be encouraged, acknowledged, and recognized for their contributions
to the reduction of wildland fire risks:
· Livestock Grazing in and around the communities of Valley County has led to a
reduction of many of the fine fuels that would have been found in and around the
communities and in the wildlands of Valley County. Domestic livestock not only eat these
grasses, forbs, and shrubs, but also trample certain fuels to the ground where
decomposition rates may increase. Livestock ranchers tend their stock, placing resource
professionals into the forests and rangelands of the area where they may observe
ignitions, or potentially risky activities. Livestock grazing in this region should be
encouraged into the future as a Iow cost, positive tool of wildfire mitigation in the
Wildland-Urban Interface and in the wildlands.
· Forest Management in Valley County has been affected greatly by the reduction of
operating sawmills in the region. However, the active forest management program of the
Idaho Department of Lands, the Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association, Boise
Corporation, USDA Forest Service and many of the private and other industrial
forestland owners in the region has led to a significant reduction of wildland fuels where
they are closest to homes and infrastructure. An excellent example of this has already
been highlighted in this document involving the management of forestlands around the
community of Yellow Pine. In addition, forest resource professionals managing these
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 160
lands and the lands of the private owners and federal agencies are generally trained in
wildfire protection and recognize risk factors when they occur. Although wildfires have
taken a toll on the county economically and physically in the past, the presence and
activities related to active forest management in Valley County has mitigated wildfire's
negative impacts.
Agriculture is a significant component of Valley County's economy. Much of the
western portion of the county is intermixed with agricultural crops. The original
conversion of these lands to agriculture, was targeted at the most productive soils and
juxtaposition to infrastructure. Many of these productive ecosystems were consequently
also at some of the highest risk to wildland fires because biomass accumulations
increased in these productive landscapes. The result today, is that much of the
rangeland historically prone to frequent fires, has been converted to agriculture, which is
at a much lower risk. The preservation of a viable agricultural economy in Valley County
is integral to the continued management of wildfire risk in this region.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page
Table 5.2. WUI Action Items for People and Structures.
Action Item Goals and Responsible
5.2.a: Youth and
Adult Wildfire
Educational
Programs
Obiectives
Protect people and
structures by
increasing
awareness of WUI
risks, how to
recognize risk
factors, and how to
modify those factors
to reduce risk
Or~lanization
Cooperative effort
including:
· University of Idaho
Cooperative
Extension
· Idaho Department of
Lands
· USFS Payette
National Forest,
USFS Boise National
Forest, State and
Private Forestry
Offices
· Local School Districts
Action Items, Planning Horizon and
Estimated Costs
Evaluate effectiveness of currently
funded central Idaho county education
programs. If possible, use existing
educational program materials and
staffing to share information between
counties. These programs may need
reformatted for use in Valley County.
The FIREWISE program has been
developed and implemented in several
counties across the State with varying
levels of success. This program may
be suitable for consideration in Valley
County. Costs initially to be funded
through existing budgets for these
activities to be followed with grant
monies to continue the programs as
identified in the formal needs
5.2.b: Wildfire risk
assessments of
homes in identified
communities
Protect people and
structures by
increasing
awareness of
specific risk factors
of individual
homesites in the at-
risk landscapes.
Only after these are
completed can
homesite treatments
follow.
To be coordinated by
County Commissioners
Office in cooperation
with the Rural Fire
Departments, community
groups, and homeowner
associations.
· Cost: Approximately $100 per
homesite for inspection, written
report, and discussions with the
homeowners.
· Action Item: Secure funding and
contract to complete the inspections
during years 1 & 2 (2004-05)
· Homesite inspection reports and
estimated budget for each homesite's
treatments will be a requirement to
receive funding for treatments
through grants.
· Specific Treatment Area estimates
are included below and make
recommendations for approximately
300 home assessments
· East Lake Fork Geographic Area: Approximately 10%
of the 315 structures need wildfire risk assessment.
Estimated cost is $31,500
· West Lake Fork Geographic Area: Approximately 10%
of the 300 structures need wildfire risk assessment.
Estimated cost is $3,000
· Roseberry Geographic Area: Approximately 60% of
the 90 structures need wildfire risk assessment.
Estimated cost is $5,400
· McCall Geographic Area: Approximately 80% of the
· West Mountain Geographic Area: Approximately
100% of the 110 structures need wildfire risk
assessment. Estimated cost is $11,000
· Cascade Geographic Area: Approximately 75% of
the 485 structures need wildfire risk assessment.
Estimated cost is $36,375
· Pearsol - Horsethief Geographic Area:
Approximately 60% of the 30 structures need wildfire
risk assessment. Estimated cost is $1,800
· Golddust - Alpha - Round Valley Geographic Area:
1,900 home sites need wildfire risk assessment. Approximately 60% of the 440 structures need
Estimated cost is $152 000 w dfire rsk assessment Est mated cost s $26 400
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 162
Table 5.2. WUI Action Items for People and Structures.
Action Item Goals and Responsible Action Items, Planning Horizon and
Obiectives Organization Estimated Costs
· Blackhawk Estates Geographic Area: Approximately · High Valley Geographic Area: Approximately 60% of
40% of the 25 structures need wildfire risk the 35 structures need wildfire risk assessment.
assessment. Estimated cost is $1,000
· Jughandle Geographic Area: Approximately 75% of
the 175 structures need wildfire risk assessment.
Estimated cost is $13,125
· Donnelly Geographic Area: Approximately 75% of the
600 home sites need wildfire risk assessment.
Estimated cost is $45,000
· Tamarack Geographic Area: Approximately 90% of
the 120 structures need wildfire risk assessment.
Estimated cost is $10,800
· Osprey Point Geographic Area: Approximately 100%
of the 25 structures need wildfire risk assessment.
Estimate cost is $2,500
· Little Donner- Sugarloaf Geographic Area:
Estimated cost is $2,100
· Smith's Ferry Geographic Area: Approximately 95%
of the 35 structures need wildfire risk assessment.
Estimated cost is $3,325
· Yellow Pine Geographic Area: Approximately 100%
of the 90 structures need wildfire risk assessment.
Estimated cost is $9,000
· Warm Lake Geographic Area: Approximately 100%
of the 156 structures need wildfire risk assessment.
Estimated cost is $15,600
· Big Creek - Edwardsburg Geographic Area: To be
determined
· Trails End Subdivision Geographic Area: To be
determined
Approximately 75% of the 40 structures need wildfire · Taylor Creek Ranch Geographic Area: To be
risk assessment. Estimated cost is $3,000
determined
5.2.c: Homesite Protect people, County · Actual funding level will be based on
WUI Treatments structures, and Commissioners in the outcomes of the homesite
increase fire fighter cooperation with Fire assessments and cost estimates
safety by reducing Mitigation Consulting · Estimate that treatments will cost
the risk factors company and Rural Fire
surrounding homes Districts approximately $1,000 per homesite
in the WUI of Valley for a defensible space. Approximately
County 3,300 homes are potential in this
Complete concurrently category for an estimated cost of
with 5~2. b. $3,300,000. Total home and
business (non-governmental)
assessed value in County is roughly
$140,306,103 (average $40,894):
B/C Ratio of this treatment is
approximately 42:1, when
considered across the entire county.
Actual B/C ratio will vary by
community.
· Homesite treatments can begin after
the securing of funding for the
treatments and immediate
implementation in 2004 and will
continue from year 1 through 5
(2008)
5.2.d: Community Protect people, County · Actual funding level will be based on
Defensible Zone structures, and Commissioners in the outcomes of the homesite
WUI Treatments increase fire fighter cooperation with Fire assessments and cost estimates.
safety by reducing Mitigation Consultants
· Years 2-5 (2004-08): Treat high risk
the risk factors and Rural Fire Districts
surrounding high risk wildland fuels from homesite
communities n the defensible space treatments (5.4.c)
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 163
Table 5.2. WUI Action Items for People and Structures.
Action Item Goals and Responsible
Objectives Organization
Action Items, Planning Horizon and
Estimated Costs
WUI of Valley to an area extending 400 feet to 750
County feet beyond home defensible spaces
(to be determined during homesite
treatments), where steep slopes and
high accumulations of risky fuels
exist. Should link together home
treatment areas. Treatments target
high risk concentrations of fuels and
not 100% of the area identified. To be
completed only after or during the
creation of home defensible spaces
have been implemented.
· Approximate average cost on a per
structure basis is $750-$1,500
depending on extent of home
defensibility site treatments, for a
cost estimate as high as $3.0 million.
Couple this cost with the home
defensibility space costs of $3.3
million. The number of structures to
benefit from these treatments include
both homes and businesses
(assessed value of $140,306,103).
The average B/C Ratio for these
treatments combined in Valley
County is 22:1. Actual B/C ratio by
community w be variab e
5.2.e: Maintenance
of Homesite WUI
Treatments
Protect people,
structures, and
increase fire fighter
safety by reducing
the risk factors
surrounding homes
in the WUI of Valley
County
County
Commissioners Office
in cooperation with Rural
Fire Departments and
local home owners
· Homesite defensibility treatments
must be maintained periodically to
sustain benefits of the initial
treatments.
· Each site should be assessed 5
years following initial treatment
· Follow-up inspection reports with
treatments as recommended years 5
......................................................... through 10
5.2.f: Re-entry of
Homesite WUI
Treatments
Protect people,
structures, and
increase fire fighter
safety by reducing
the risk factors
surrounding homes
County
Commissioners Office
in cooperation with Rural
Fire Departments and
local home owners
· Re-entry treatments will be needed
periodically to maintain the benefits
of the initial WUI home treatments.
Each re-entry schedule should be
based on the initial inspection report
recommendations, observations, and
in the WUI of Valley changes in local conditions.
County Genera y occurs eve~ 5-10 ears
5.2.g: Access Protection of County Roads and · Year 1 (2004): Update existing
Improvements of people, structures, Bridges Department in assessment of travel surfaces,
bridges, cattle infrastructure, and cooperation with US bridges, and cattle guards in Valley
guards, and economy by Forest Service, State of County as to location. Secure funding
limiting road improving access for Idaho (Lands and for implementation of this project
surfaces residents and fire Transportat on) and (g. rants)
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 164
Table 5.2. WUI Action Items for People and Structures.
Action Item Goals and Responsible
Objectives
fighting personnel in
the event of a
wildfire. Reduces the
risk of a road failure
that leads to the
isolation of people or
the limitation of
emergency vehicle
and personnel
access during an
emergency.
Organization
forestland or rangeland
owners.
Action Items, Planning Horizon and
Estimated Costs
· Year 2 (2005): Conduct engineering
assessment of limiting weight
restrictions for all surfaces (e.g.,
bridge weight load maximums).
Estimate cost of $250,000 which
might be shared between County,
USFS, State, and private based on
landownership associated with road
locations.
· Year 2 (2005): Post weight restriction
signs on all crossings, copy
information to rural fire districts and
wildland fire protection agencies in
affected areas. Estimate cost at
roughly $45-$55,000 for signs and
posting.
· Year 3 (2006): Identify limiting road
surfaces in need of improvements to
support wildland fire fighting vehicles
and other emergency equipment.
Develop plan for improving limiting
surfaces including budgets, timing,
and resources to be protected for
prioritization of projects (benefit/cost
ratio analysis). Create budget based
........................................................ on full assessment
5.2.h: Access
Improvements for
communities of
Yellow Pine, Big
Creek, and
Edwardsburg.
Protection of
people, structures,
infrastructure, and
economy by
improving access for
residents and fire
fighting personnel in
the event of a
wildfire. Allows for
alternative escape
route when the
primary access is
County Roads and
Bridges Department in
cooperation with US
Forest Service, State of
Idaho (Lands and
Transportation),
industrial forestland
owners.
· Year 1 (2004): Update existing
assessment on limiting areas of road
and bridges. Secure funding for
implementation of this project based
on ownership and use.
· Year 2 (2005): Secure funding and
implement projects to improve
limiting access along this road to
facilitate broader range of vehicles
using this route as an emergency
route. No estimate of costs until
compromised, priorities are set and options
...................................................................................................................................................... !d ~e~,!!~,~.d
5.2.i: Access Protection of County Roads and · Year I (2004): Update existing
Improvements people, structures, Bridges Department in assessment of roads in Valley
through road-side infrastructure, and cooperation with US County as to location. Secure funding
fuels management: economy by Forest Service, State of for implementation of this project
ID 55, Warm Lake improving access for Idaho (Lands and (grants).
Road, West residents and fire Transportation), and · Year 2 (2005): Specifically address
Mountain Road, fighting personnel in forestland or rangeland
access issues listed in column one,
Forest Route 48, the event of a owners.
Forest Route 21, wildfire. Allows for a plus recreation areas, and others
Forest Route 674, road based identified in assessment. Target 100'
Forest Route 474 defensible area that on downhill side of roads and 75' on
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 165
Table 5.2. WUl Action Items for People and Structures.
Action Item Goals and Responsible
Objectives Organization
Action Items, Planning Horizon and
Estimated Costs
Forest Route 579,
Landmark Stanley
Road, Paddy Flat
Road, Gold Fork
Road, Johnson
Creek Road, High
Valley Road,
Cabarton Road,
Crown Point
Parkway, Round
Valley Road, Forest
Route 409, Forest
Route 412, Dagger
Falls Road, Bear
Valley Road, and
Forest Route 340,
and several other
secondary routes
can be linked to a
terrain based
defensible areas.
uphill side for estimated cost of
$15,000 per mile of road treated. If
550 miles of roadway are prioritized
for treatment (est.) the cost would
amount to $ 825,000.
· Year 3 (2006): Secure funding and
implement projects to treat road-side
fuels.
.......................................and drivewa
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 166
5.4 Infrastructure
Significant infrastructure refers to the communications, transportation (road and rail networks),
energy transport supply systems (gas and power lines), and water supply that service a region
or a surrounding area. All of these components are important to Valley County. These networks
are by definition a part of the Wildland-Urban Interface in the protection of people, structures,
infrastructure, and unique ecosystems. Without supporting infrastructure a community's
structures may be protected, but the economy and way of life lost. As such, a variety of
components will be considered here in terms of management philosophy, potential policy
recommendations, and on-the-ground activities.
Communication Infrastructure: This component of the WUI seems to be diversified across the
county with multiple source and destination points, and a spread-out support network. Although
site specific treatments will impact local networks directly, little needs done to insure the
system's viability.
Transportation Infrastructure (road and rail networks): This component of the WUI has
some potential limitations in Valley County. The sole connection route between communities of
Valley County and beyond is State Highway 55. Specific infrastructure components have been
discussed in this plan.
Potential treatments in reference to the rail lines crossing Valley County will be discussed in a
subsequent section.
Ignitions along roadways are significant and should be address as part of the implementation of
this plan. Various alternatives from herbicides to intensive livestock grazing coupled with
mechanical treatments, have been suggested. As part of the multi-agency WUI team proposed
in the previous section, these corridors should be further evaluated with alternatives
implemented. A variety of approaches will be appropriate depending on the landowner, fuels
present, and other factors. These ignitions are substantial and the potential risk of life to
residents in the area is significant.
Many roads in the county have limiting characteristics, such as steep grades, narrow travel
surfaces, sharp turning radii, Iow load limit bridges and cattle guards, and heavy accumulations
of fuels adjacent to, and overtopping some roads. Some of these road surfaces access remote
forestland and rangeland areas. While their improvements will facilitate access in the case of a
wildfire, they are not necessarily the priority for treatments in the county.
Roads that have these inferior characteristics and access homes and businesses are the priority
for improvements in the county. Specific recommendations for these roads are enumerated in
Table 5.3.
Energy Transport Supply Systems (power lines): (Valley County - Appendix I) A number of
power lines crisscross Valley County. Unfortunately, many of these power lines cross over
forestland ecosystems. When fires ignite in these vegetation types, they tend to be slower
moving and burn at relatively high intensities. Additionally, there is a potential for high
temperatures and Iow humidity with high winds to produce enough heat and smoke to threaten
power line stability. Most power line corridors have been cleared of vegetation both near the
wires and from the ground below. Observations across the county of these high tension power
lines lead to the conclusion that current conditions coupled with urban developments have
mitigated this potential substantially. It is the recommendation of this Wildfire Mitigation Plan
that this situation be evaluated annually and monitored but that treatments not be specifically
targeted at this time. The use of these areas as "fire breaks" should be evaluated further,
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 167
especially in light of the treatments enumerated in this plan (eg., intensive livestock grazing,
mechanical treatments, and herbicide treatments).
Water Supply: In many of Idaho's communities, water is derived from surface flow that is
treated and piped to homes and businesses. When wildfires burn a region, they threaten these
watersheds by the removal of vegetation, creation of ash and sediment. As such, watersheds
should be afforded the highest level of protection from catastrophic wildfire impacts. In Valley
County, water is supplied to many homes by single home or multiple home wells. However, the
community of Yellow Pine depends on surface water as its primary water source. Many homes
on the east side of Payette Lake rely on a surface water resource derived from Payette Lake.
Additionally, some homes in the West Mountain subdivision near Cascade use a surface water
source as their primary water resource.
As a priority recommendation of this plan, it is strongly suggested that Watershed Management
Plans for the McCall-Payette Lake Watershed, Yellow Pine Watershed, and the West Mountain
Subdivision Watershed be developed to plan for and implement a management program that
specifically mitigates wildfire potential while managing the watersheds for sustained water flow
that is clean and timed according to the needs of the community.
5.4.1 Proposed Activities
Table 5.3. Infrastructure Enhancements.
Action Item Goals and Objectives
Responsible
Organization
Action Items &
Planning Horizon
5.3.a: Post FEMA Protection of people and County Commissioners · Purchase of signs
"Emergency Evacuation structures by informing in cooperation with Rural (2004).
Route" signs along the residents and visitors of Fire Districts and Roads · Posting roads and make
identified Primary and significant infrastructure Department.
secondary access routes in the county that will be information available to
in the county, maintained in the case of residents of the
importance of
an emergency. Emergency Routes
5.3.b: Fuels mitigation of
the FEMA "Emergency
Evacuation Routes" in
the county to insure these
routes can be maintained
in the case of an
Protection of people and
structures by providing
residents and visitors with
ingress and egress that
can be maintained during
an emergency.
County Commissioners
in cooperation with Rural
Fire Districts and Roads
Department.
· Full assessment of road
defensibility and
ownership participation
(2004).
· Implementation of
projects (linked to item
5.3.c. Watershed
Management Plan
Development McCall-
Payette Lake Watershed,
Yellow Pine Watershed,
and the West Mountain
Subdivision Watershed.
Sustainability of
Communities by
increasing the probability
that communities will have
safe drinking water
following a wildfire that
burns in the community
watershed.
Water Departments and
City Governments.
· Identify landowners and
seek funding to
implement the planning
process (2004).
· Implementation of
projects based on
results of watershed
mana~lement plans.
5.5 Resource and Capability Enhancements
There are a number of resource and capability enhancements identified by the rural and
wildland fire fighting districts in Valley County. All of the needs identified by the districts are in
line with increasing the ability to respond to emergencies in the WUI and are fully supported by
the planning committee.
Valley County WUl Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 168
Specific reoccurring themes of needed resources and capabilities include:
· More water tenders for Rural Fire Districts with drafting capabilities at unimproved sites
· Improved radio capabilities within each district and for mutual aid operations
· Retention and recruitment of volunteers
· Training and development of rural firefighters in structure and wildland fire
· Incorporation of the communities of Smith's Ferry into current fire districts or the
formation of a new district specifically for these residents.
The implementation of each issue will rely on either the isolated efforts of the fire districts or a
concerted effort by the county to achieve equitable enhancements across all of the districts.
Given historic trends, individual departments competing against neighboring departments for
grant monies and equipment will not necessarily achieve county wide equity. However, the
Valley Interagency Interface Group (VIIG) may be an organization uniquely suited to work with
all of the districts in Valley County and adjacent counties to assist in the prioritization of needs
across district and even county lines. Once prioritized, the VIIG is in a position to assist these
districts with identifying, competing for, and obtaining grants and equipment to meet these
needs.
Table 5.4. WUI Action Items in Fire Fighting Resources and Capabilities.
Action Item Goals and Objectives Responsible
5.4.a: Enhance radio
availability in each
district, link into existing
dispatch, and improve
range within the region,
update to new digital,
narrow band frequency
adopted by feds and
state.
Protection of people and
structures by direct fire
fighting capability
enhancements.
Or~lanization
County Commissioners
in cooperation with rural
and wildland fire districts
and other emergency
services departments.
Action Items &
Plannin~l Horizon
· Year 1 (2004):
Summarize existing two-
way radio capabilities
and limitations. Identify
costs to upgrade
existing equipment and
locate funding
opportunities.
· Year 2 (2005): Acquire
and install upgrades as
needed.
· Year 2-3 (2005-06):
Identify opportunities for
radio repeater towers
located in the region for
5.4.b: Facility, land, Protection of people and West Central Highlands · Estimate of Costs:
business plan and basic structures by direct fire Resource Conservation
o $500,000
supplies for Smith's fighting capability and Development
Ferry District. enhancements. Council in cooperation · 2 Year Planning
with County Horizon
Commissioners and
SITPA.
5.4.c: Retention of Protection of people and Rural and Wildland Fire · 5 Year Planning
Volunteer Fire Fighters structures by direct fire Districts working with Horizon, extended
fighting capability broad base of county planning time frame
enhancements, citizenry to identify options, · Target an increased
determine plan of action, recruitment (+10%) and
and implement it. retention (+20%
longevity) of volunteers
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 169
Table 5.4. WUl Action Items in Fire Fighting Resources and Capabilities.
Action Item Goals and Objectives Responsible Action Items &
Or~lanization Plannin~l Horizon
incentives program and
5.4.d: Obtain fire patrol Protection of people and West Central Highlands · Year 1 (2004): Verify
boat on Payette Lake structures by direct fire Resource Conservation stated need still exists,
during the summer and fighting capability and Development develop budget, and
fall fire season, enhancements. Council in cooperation locate funding or
with local fire department equipment (surplus)
and SITPA. sources.
· Year 1 or 2 (2004-05):
Acquire and deliver
needed equipment to
5.4.e: Establish dry Protection of people and West Central Highlands · Year I (2004): Verify
hydrants in strategic structures by direct fire Resource Conservation stated need still exists,
locations around Payette fighting capability and Development develop budget, and
Lake. enhancements. Council in cooperation locate funding or
with local and wildland fire equipment (surplus)
departments, sources.
· Year 1 or 2 (2004-05):
Acquire and deliver
needed equipment to
district.
· Year 1 or 2 (2004-05):
Prepare site and install
5.4.f: Increased training Protection of people and Rural and Wildland Fire · Year 1 (2004): Develop
and capabilities of fire structures by direct fire Districts working with the a multi-county training
fighters fighting capability BLM, IDL, and USFS for schedule that extends 2
enhancements, wildland training or 3 years in advance
opportunities and with the (continuously).
State Fire Marshall's
· Identify funding and
Office for structural fire
fighting training.
resources needed to
carry out training
opportunities and
sources to acquire.
· Year 1 (2004): Begin
implementing training
opportunities for
volunteers.
5.6 Regional Land Management Recommendations
In section 5.3 of this plan, reference was given to the role that forestry, grazing and agriculture
have in promoting wildfire mitigation services through active management. Valley County is
dominated by wide expanses of forest and rangelands intermixed with communities and rural
houses.
Wildfires will continue to ignite and burn fuels and homes depending on the weather conditions
and other factors enumerated earlier. However, active land management that modifies fuels,
promotes healthy range and forestland conditions, and promotes the use of these natural
resources (consumptive and non-consumptive) will insure that these lands have value to society
and the local region. We encourage the US Forest Service, the Idaho Department of Lands,
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 170
Industrial land owners, private land owners, and all other landowners in the region to actively
administer their Wildland-Urban Interface lands in a manner consistent with the management of
reducing fuels and risks in this zone.
5.6.1 Railroad Right-of-Way
There are currently two active railroads in Valley County. The Idaho Northern and Pacific
Railroad hauls goods from Cascade to markets in Emmett and the Idaho Historical Railroad
Thunder Mountain Line, which is primarily a passenger tour service. There are a number of
curves and sidings where a train may be prone to create sparks, eject hot stack carbon, or blow
hot brake shoes, any one of which can easily ignite the light fuels along the railroad corridor.
Although there is some potential, this right-of-way has not been a significant source of fire
ignitions and is therefore not a priority for fire mitigation treatment in Valley County.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 171
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hapter6. Su posen Information
6
6.1 List of Tables
T
Table 2.1 Survey responses indicating the proximity of trees to homes ..................................... 14
Table 2.2. Percent of homes with indicated fire fighting tools in Valley County .......................... 14
Table 2.3. Fuel Hazard Rating Worksheet ................................................................................... 16
Table 2.4. Percent of respondents in each risk category as determined by the survey
respondents ......................................................................................................................... 16
Table 2.5. Public Opinion of Wildfire Mitigation Funding Preferences ........................................ 17
Table 3.1 Selected demographic statistics for Valley County, Idaho, from Census 2000 ........... 30
Table 3.2 Income in 1999 ........................................................................................................... 32
Table 3.3 Poverty Status in 1999 (below poverty level) ............................................................. 32
Table 3.4 Employment and Industry .......................................................................................... 33
Table 3.5 Class of Worker .......................................................................................................... 34
Table 3.6. Levels of direct employment by industrial sector ....................................................... 41
Table 3.7 Population Projections for Valley County, Idaho ......................................................... 42
Table 3.8 National Register of Historic Places in Valley County, Idaho ..................................... 44
Table 3.9 Cover Types in Valley County ..................................................................................... 46
Table 3.10 Climate records for MCCall, Idaho (Valley County) .................................................. 48
Table 3.11 Climate records for Cascade, Idaho (Valley County) ................................................ 49
Table 3.12 Climate records for Yellow Pine, Idaho (Valley County) ........................................... 49
Table 3.13 Climate records for Deadwood Dam, Idaho (Valley County) ....................................50
Table 3.14. Number of wildfire ignitions (profile) by 5-year period 1983-2002.Error! Bookmark
not defined.
Table 3.15. Number of Fires by Cause and year in Valley County as recorded by the Idaho
Department of Lands ........................................................................................................... 53
Table 3.16. Number of Fires by Cause and year in Valley County, on USDA Forest Service
Lands ................................................................................................................................... 54
Table 3.17. National Fire Season 2002 Summary ...................................................................... 54
Table 3.18. Total Fires and Acres 1960 - 2002 Nationally .......................................................... 55
Table 3.19. Suppression Costs for Federal Agencies Nationally ................................................ 56
Table 3.20. Fire Prone Landscape rankings and associated acres in each category for Valley
County ................................................................................................................................. 60
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 181
Table 3.21
Table 3.22.
Table 3.23.
Table 3.24.
Table 3.25.
Table 3.26.
· Fire Regime Condition Class Definitions ................................................................. 62
FRCC by area in Valley County ............................................................................... 63
Predicted Fire Severity by area in Valley County ..................................................... 64
Comparative Fire Intensities and Rates of Spread in Timber Fuel Models .............. 69
Comparative Fire Intensities and Rates of Spread in Slash Fuel Models ................ 70
Fire Prone Landscapes Risk in the WUI of Valley County ....................................... 74
Table 3.27. Surface Water Collection Points in Valley County ................................................... 75
Table 4.1. Valley County Communities ....................................................................................... 85
Table 4.2. US Forest Service, Boise National Forest, Cascade Ranger District Past WUI
Projects: 1996-2004 ........................................................................................................... 155
Table 5.1. WUI Action Items in Safety and Policy ..................................................................... 159
Table 5.2. WUI Action Items for People and Structures ........................................................... 162
Table 5.3. Infrastructure Enhancements ................................................................................... 168
Table 5.4. WUI Action Items in Fire Fighting Resources and Capabilities ................................ 169
Table 5.5. US Forest Service, Payette National Forest proposed treatment areas .................. 172
Table 5.6. US Forest Service, Payette National Forest Implementation Timelines .................. 173
Table 5.7. US Forest Service, Boise National Forest proposed treatment areas ..................... 175
Table 5.8. US Forest Service, Boise National Forest Implementation Timelines ...................... 179
Table 6.1. List of Preparers ....................................................................................................... 182
6.2 List of Figures
Figure 3.1. Valley County Wildfire Ignition Profile ....................................................................... 51
Figure
Figure
Figure
3.2. Valley County Wildfire Extent Profile ........................................................................ 52
3.3. Distribution of area by Fire Prone Landscape Class in Valley County ...................... 60
3.4. Fire Prone Landscapes within the WUI of Valley County ......................................... 74
6.3 List of Preparers
The following personnel participated
alternatives for this assessment.
in the formulation,
compilation,
editing, and analysis of
Table 6.1. List of Preparers
Name Affiliation Role
William E. Schlosser, Ph.D. Northwest Management, Inc. Lead Author, Project Manager, GIS
Analyst, Natural Resource Economist,
.................. Hazard M t gat on _S_[~ec a st
Vincent P. Corrao, B.S. Northwest Management, Inc. Resource Management Specialist, Deputy
!~.~gJ~[.~.~.f~.~.~.~. ......................................................................................................
Tera Duman, B.S. Northwest Management, Inc. Natural Resource Manager, Fire Control
Technician
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 182
Toby Brown, B.S. Northwest Management, Inc. Natural Resource Manager, Fire Control
Techn c an
Dennis S. Thomas Northwest Management, Inc. Fire & Fuels Specialist, Prescribed Burning
Mana er
Ken Homik, M.S. Northwest Management Inc. Fire Use & A r Qua t)~ Sl~ecialist
..... ~a.i.d e.~...E~.:... ~!~h., M:.~.: ......... N 0rthwgst..r~.~!? agg~ en~...._!.n c.. 9.! ~...~..n..~.!)~..S.~
Greg Bassler, M.S. Northwest Management, Inc. Roads Engineer, Timber Sale Layout &
Harvest Mana~ler
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 183
6.4 Signature Pages
This Valley County Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan has been developed
in cooperation and collaboration with the representatives of the following organizations,
agencies, and individuals.
By: Terry F. Gestrin, Chairperson
Valley County Commissioner
Date
By: F. Phillip Davis
Valley County Commissioner
Date
By: Thomas W. Kerr
Valley County Commissioner
Date
By: Kirk Eimers
Mayor-City of McCall
Date
By: Larry Walters
Mayor-City of Cascade
Date
By: Pat Dorris
Mayor-City of Donnelly
Date
By: Sheldon W. Keafer, Area Supervisor
Idaho Department of Lands
Payette Lakes Supervisory Area
Date
By: Mark Madrid, Forest Supervisor
USDA Forest Service Payette National Forest
Date
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 184
By: Richard Smith, Forest Supervisor
USDA Forest Service Boise National Forest
Date
By: Mark B. Woods, Chief Fire Warden
Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association
Date
By: Dave Sparks, Chief
McCall Fire Protection District
Date
By: Marc deJong, Chief
Donnelly Rural Fire District
Date
By: Jim Haas, Chief
Cascade Rural Fire District
Cascade City Fire District
Date
By: Dave McClintock, Chief
Yellow Pine Rural Fire District
Date
By: Leland G. Heinrich
County Clerk & Project Coordinator
By: William E. Schlosser, Ph.D.
Project Manager-Valley County WUI Wildfire
Mitigation Plan, Lead Author
Forester-Northwest Management, Inc.
Date
Date
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 185
6.5 Glossary of Terms
Anadromous - Fish species that hatch in fresh water, migrate to the ocean, mature there, and
return to fresh water to reproduce (Salmon & Steelhead).
Appropriate Management Response - Specific actions taken in response to a wildland fire to
implement protection and fire use objectives.
Biological Assessment - Information document prepared by or under the direction of the
Federal agency in compliance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife standards. The document analyzes
potential effects of the proposed action on listed and proposed threatened and endangered
species and proposed critical habitat that may be present in the action area.
Backfiring - When attack is indirect, intentionally setting fire to fuels inside the control line to
contain a rapidly spreading fire. Backfiring provides a wide defense perimeter, and may be
further employed to change the force of the convection column.
Blackline - Denotes a condition where the fireline has been established by removal of
vegetation by burning.
Burning Out - When attack is direct, intentionally setting fire to fuels inside the control line to
strengthen the line. Burning out is almost always done by the crew boss as a part of line
construction; the control line is considered incomplete unless there is no fuel between the fire
and the line.
Canyon Grassland - Ecological community in which the prevailing or characteristic plants are
grasses and similar plants extending from the canyon rim to the rivers edge.
Confine - Confinement is the strategy employed in appropriate management responses where
a fire perimeter is managed by a combination of direct and indirect actions and use of natural
topographic features, fuel, and weather factors.
Contingency Plans: Provides for the timely recognition of approaching critical fire situations
and for timely decisions establishing priorities to resolve those situations.
Control Line - An inclusive term for all constructed or natural fire barriers and treated fire edge
used to control a fire.
Crew - An organized group of firefighters under the leadership of a crew boss or other
designated official.
Crown Fire - A fire that advances from top to top of trees or shrubs more or less independently
of the surface fire. Sometimes crown fires are classed as either running or dependent, to
distinguish the degree of independence from the surface fire.
Disturbance - An event which affects the successional development of a plant community
(examples: fire, insects, windthrow, timber harvest).
Disturbed Grassland - Grassland dominated by noxious weeds and other exotic species.
Greater than 30% exotic cover.
Diversity - The relative distribution and abundance of different plant and animal communities
and species within an area.
Drainage Order - Systematic ordering of the net work of stream branches, ( e.g., each non-
branching channel segment is designated a first order stream, streams which only receive first
order segments are termed second order streams).
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 186
Duff - The partially decomposed organic material of the forest floor beneath the litter of freshly
fallen twigs, needles, and leaves.
Ecosystem - An interacting system of interdependent organisms and the physical set of
conditions upon which they are dependent and by which they are influenced.
Ecosystem Stability - The ability of the ecosystem to maintain or return to its steady state after
an external interference.
Ecotone - The area influenced by the transition between plant communities or between
successional stages or vegetative conditions within a plant community.
Energy Release Component - The Energy Release Component is defined as the potential
available energy per square foot of flaming fire at the head of the fire and is expressed in units
of BTUs per square foot.
Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) - An indicator of watershed condition, which is calculated from
the total amount of crown removal that has occurred from harvesting, road building, and other
activities based on the current state of vegetative recovery.
Exotic Plant Species - Plant species that are introduced and not native to the area.
Fire Adapted Ecosystem - An arrangement of populations that have made long-term genetic
changes in response to the presence of fire in the environment.
Fire Behavior - The manner in which a fire reacts to the influences of fuel, weather, and
topography.
Fire Behavior Forecast - Fire behavior predictions prepared for each shift by a fire behavior
analysis to meet planning needs of fire overhead organization. The forecast interprets fire
calculations made, describes expected fire behavior by areas of the fire, with special emphasis
on personnel safety, and identifies hazards due to fire for ground and aircraft activities.
Fire Behavior Prediction Model - A set of mathematical equations that can be used to predict
certain aspects of fire behavior when provided with an assessment of fuel and environmental
conditions.
Fire Danger - A general term used to express an assessment of fixed and variable factors such
as fire risk, fuels, weather, and topography which influence whether fires will start, spread, and
do damage; also the degree of control difficulty to be expected.
Fire Ecology - The scientific study of fire's effects on the environment, the interrelationships of
plants, and the animals that live in such habitats.
Fire Exclusion - The disruption of a characteristic pattern of fire intensity and occurrence
(primarily through fire suppression).
Fire Intensity Level - The rate of heat release (BTU/second) per unit of fire front. Four foot
flame lengths or less are generally associated with Iow intensity burns and four to six foot flame
lengths generally correspond to "moderate" intensity fire effects. High intensity flame lengths are
usually greater than eight feet and pose multiple control problems.
Fire Prone Landscapes - The expression of an area's propensity to burn in a wildfire based on
common denominators such as plant cover type, canopy closure, aspect, slope, road density,
stream density, wind patterns, position on the hillside, and other factors.
Fireline - A loose term for any cleared strip used in control of a fire. That portion of a control line
from which flammable materials have been removed by scraping or digging down to the mineral
soil.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page
Fire Management - The integration of fire protection, prescribed fire and fire ecology into land
use planning, administration, decision making, and other land management activities.
Fire Management Plan (FMP) - A strategic plan that defines a program to manage wildland
and prescribed fires and documents the fire management program in the approved land use
plan. This plan is supplemented by operational procedures such as preparedness, preplanned
dispatch, burn plans, and prevention. The fire implementation schedule that documents the fire
management program in the approved forest plan alternative.
Fire Management Unit (FMU) - Any land management area definable by objectives,
topographic features, access, values-to-be-protected, political boundaries, fuel types, or major
fire regimes, etc., that set it apart from management characteristics of an adjacent unit. FMU's
are delineated in FMP's. These units may have dominant management objectives and
preselected strategies assigned to accomplish these objectives.
Fire Occurrence - The number of wildland fires started in a given area over a given period of
time. (Usually expressed as number per million acres.)
Fire Prevention - An active program in conjunction with other agencies to protect human life,
prevent modification, of the ecosystem by human-caused wildfires, and prevent damage to
cultural resources or physical facilities. Activities directed at reducing fire occurrence, including
public education, law enforcement, personal contact, and reduction of fire risks and hazards.
Fire Regime - The fire pattern across the landscape, characterized by occurrence interval and
relative intensity. Fire regimes result from a unique combination of climate and vegetation. Fire
regimes exist on a continuum from short-interval, Iow-intensity (stand maintenance) fires to
long-interval, high-intensity (stand replacement) fires.
Fire Retardant - Any substance that by chemical or physical action reduces flareability of
combustibles.
Fire Return Interval - The number of years between two successive fires documented in a
designated area.
Fire Risk - The potential that a wildfire will start and spread rapidly as determined by the
presence and activities of causative agents.
Fire Severity - The effects of fire on resources displayed in terms of benefit or loss.
Foothills Grassland - Grass and forb co-dominated dry meadows and ridges. Principle habitat
type series: bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue.
Fuel - The materials which are burned in a fire; duff, litter, grass, dead branchwood, snags,
logs, etc.
Fuel Break - A natural or manmade change in fuel characteristics which affects fire behavior so
that fires burning into them can be more readily controlled.
Fuel Loading - Amount of dead fuel present on a particular site at a given time; the percentage
of it available for combustion changes with the season.
Fuel Model - Characterization of the different types of wildland fuels (trees, brush, grass, etc.)
and their arrangement, used to predict fire behavior.
Fuel Type - An identifiable association of fuel elements of distinctive species; form, size,
arrangement, or other characteristics, that will cause a predictable rate of fire spread or difficulty
of control, under specified weather conditions.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 188
Fuels Management - Manipulation or reduction of fuels to meet protection and management
objectives, while preserving and enhancing environmental quality.
Gap Analysis Program (GAP) - Regional assessments of the conservation status of native
vertebrate species and natural land cover types and to facilitate the application of this
information to land management activities. This is accomplished through the following five
objectives:
1. Map the land cover of the United States
2. Map predicted distributions of vertebrate species for the U.S.
3. Document the representation of vertebrate species and land cover types in areas
managed for the long-term maintenance of biodiversity
4. Provide this information to the public and those entities charged with land use research,
policy, planning, and management
5. Build institutional cooperation in the application of this information to state and regional
management activities
Habitat - A place that provides seasonal or year-round food, water, shelter, and other
environmental conditions for an organism, community, or population of plants or animals.
Heavy Fuels - Fuels of a large diameter, such as snags, logs, and large limbwood, which ignite
and are consumed more slowly than flash fuels.
Hydrologic Unit Code - A coding system developed by the U. S. Geological Service to identify
geographic boundaries of watersheds of various sizes.
Hydrophobic - Resistance to wetting exhibited by some soils, also called water repellency. The
phenomena may occur naturally or may be fire-induced. It may be determined by water drop
penetration time, equilibrium liquid-contact angles, solid-air surface tension indices, or the
characterization of dynamic wetting angles during infiltration.
Human-Caused Fires - Refers to fires ignited accidentally (from campfires or smoking) and by
arsonists; does not include fires ignited intentionally by fire management personnel to fulfill
approved, documented management objectives (prescribed rires).
Intensity - The rate of heat energy released during combustion per unit length of fire edge.
Inversion - Atmospheric condition in which temperature increases with altitude.
Ladder Fuels - Fuels which provide vertical continuity between strata, thereby allowing fire to
carry from surface fuels into the crowns of trees or shrubs with relative ease. They help initiate
and assure the continuation of crowning.
Landsat Imagery - Land remote sensing, the collection of data which can be processed into
imagery of surface features of the Earth from an unclassified satellite or satellites.
Landscape - All the natural features such as grasslands, hills, forest, and water, which
distinguish one part of the earth's surface from another part; usually that portion of land which
the eye can comprehend in a single view, including all its natural characteristics.
Lethal - Relating to or causing death; extremely harmful.
Lethal Fires - A descriptor of fire response and effect in forested ecosystems of high-severity or
severe fire that burns through the overstory and understory. These fires typically consume large
woody surface fuels and may consume the entire duff layer, essentially destroying the stand.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 189
Litter - The top layer of the forest floor composed of loose debris, including dead sticks,
branches, twigs, and recently fallen leaves or needles, little altered in structure by
decomposition.
Maximum Manageable Area The boundary beyond which fire spread is completely
unacceptable.
Metavolcanic - Volcanic rock that has undergone changes due to pressure and temperature.
Minimum Impact Suppression Strategy (MIST) - "Light on the Land." Use of minimum amount
of forces necessary to effectively achieve the fire management protection objectives consistent
with land and resource management objectives. It implies a greater sensitivity to the impacts of
suppression tactics and their long-term effects when determining how to implement an
appropriate suppression response.
Mitigation - Actions to avoid, minimize, reduce, eliminate, replace, or rectify the impact of a
management practice.
Monitoring Team - Two or more individuals sent to a fire to observe, measure, and report its
behavior, its effect on resources, and its adherence to or deviation from its prescription.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) - This act declared a national policy to encourage
productive and enjoyable harmony between humans and their environment; to promote efforts
which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and will stimulate the
health and welfare of humankind; to enrich the understanding of important ecological systems
and natural resources; and to establish a Council on Environmental Quality.
National Fire Management Analysis System (NFMAS) - The fire management analysis
process, which provides input to forest planning and forest and regional fire program
development and budgeting.
Native - Indigenous; living naturally within a given area.
Natural Ignition - A wildland fire ignited by a natural event such as lightning or volcanoes.
Noncommercial Thinning - Thinning by fire or mechanical methods of precommercial or
commercial size timber, without recovering value, to meet MFP standards relating to the
protection/enhancement of adjacent forest or other resource values.
Notice of Availability - A notice of Availability published in the Federal Register stating that an
ElS has been prepared and is available for review and comment (for draft) and identifying where
copies are available.
Notice of Intent - A notice of Intent published in the Federal Register stating that an ElS will be
prepared and considered. This notice will describe the proposed action and possible
alternatives, the proposed scoping process, and the name and address of whom to contact
concerning questions about the proposed action and ElS.
Noxious Weeds - Rapidly spreading plants that have been designated "noxious" by law which
can cause a variety of major ecological impacts to both agricultural and wild lands.
Planned Ignition - A wildland fire ignited by management actions to meet specific objectives.
Prescribed Fire - Any fire ignited by management actions to meet specific objectives. A written,
approved prescribed fire plan must exist, and NEPA requirements must be met, prior to ignition.
Prescription - A set of measurable criteria that guides the selection of appropriate management
strategies and actions. Prescription criteria may include safety, economic, public health,
environmental, geographic, administrative, social, or legal considerations.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 190
Programmatic Biological Assessment - Assesses the effects of the fire management
programs on Federally listed species, not the individual projects that are implemented under
these programs. A determination of effect on listed species is made for the programs, which is a
valid assessment of the potential effects of the projects completed under these programs, if the
projects are consistent with the design criteria and monitoring and reporting requirement
contained in the project description and summaries.
Reburn - Subsequent burning of an area in which fire has previously burned but has left
flareable light that ignites when burning conditions are more favorable.
Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCA) - Portions of watersheds where riparian-
dependent resources receive primary emphasis, and management activities are subject to
specific standards and guidelines. RHCAs include traditional riparian corridors, wetlands,
intermittent headwater streams, and other areas where proper ecological functioning is crucial
to maintenance of the stream's water, sediment, woody debris, and nutrient delivery systems.
Riparian Management Objectives (RMO) - Quantifiable measures of stream and streamside
conditions that define good fish habitat and serve as indicators against which attainment or
progress toward attainment of goals will be measured.
Road Density - The volume of roads in a given area (mile/square mile).
Scoping - Identifying at an early stage the significant environmental issues deserving of study
and de-emphasizing insignificant issues, narrowing the scope of the environmental analysis
accordingly.
Seral - Refers to the stages that plant communities go through during succession.
Developmental stages have characteristic structure and plant species composition.
Serotinous - Storage of coniferous seeds in closed cones in the canopy of the tree. Serotinous
cones of Iodgepole pine do not open until subjected to temperatures of 113 to 122 degrees
Fahrenheit causing the melting of the resin bond that seals the cone scales.
Stand Replacing Fire - A fire that kills most or all of a stand.
Sub-basin - A drainage area of approximately 800,000 to 1,000,000 acres, equivalent to a 4th -
field Hydrologic Unit Code.
Surface Fire - Fire which moves through duff, litter, woody dead and down, and standing
shrubs, as opposed to a crown fire.
Watershed - The region draining into a river, river system, or body of water.
Wetline - Denotes a condition where the fireline has been established by wetting down the
vegetation.
Wildland Fire - Any nonstructure fire, other than prescribed fire, that occurs in the wildland.
Wildland Fire Implementation Plan (WFIP) - A progressively developed assessment and
operational management plan that documents the analysis and selection of strategies and
describes the appropriate management response for a wildland fire being managed for resource
benefits. A full WFIP consists of three stages. Different levels of completion may occur for
differing management strategies (i.e., fires managed for resource benefits will have two-three
stages of the WFIP completed while some fires that receive a suppression response may only
have a portion of Stage I completed).
Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) - A decision making process that evaluates
alternative management strategies against selected safety, environmental, social, economic,
political, and resource management objectives.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Page 191
Wildland Fire Use - The management of naturally ignited wildland fires to accomplish specific
prestated resource management objectives in predeflned geographic areas outlined in FMP's.
Operational management is described in the WFIP. Wildland fire use is not to be confused with
"fire use", which is a broader term encompassing more than just wildland fires.
Wildland Fire Use for Resource Benefit (WFURB) - A wildland fire ignited by a natural
process (lightning), under specific conditions, relating to an acceptable range of fire behavior
and managed to achieve specific resource objectives.
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 192
6.6 Literature Cited
Agee, J.K. 1993. Fire ecology of the Pacific Northwest forests. Washington: Island Press.
Agee, J.K. 1998. The Landscape Ecology of western Forest Fire Regimes. Northwest Science,
Vol. 72, Special Issue 1998.
Anderson, H. 1982. Aids to Determining Fuel Models for Estimating Fire Behavior. USDA Forest
Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. INT-GTR-122.22 pp.
Barrett, J.W. 1979. Silviculture of ponderosa pine in the Pacific Northwest: the state of our
knowledge. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report PNW-97. Pacific Northwest
Forest and Range Experiment Station, Portland, OR. 106 p.
Brown, J.K. 1995. Fire regimes and their relevance to ecosystem management. Pages 171-178
In Proceedings of Society of American Foresters National Convention, Sept. 18-22,
1994, Anchorage, AK. Society of American Foresters, Wash. DC.
Beukema, S.J., D.C. Greenough, C.E. Robinson, W.A. Kurtz, E.D. Reinhardt, N.L. Crookston,
J.K. Brown, C.C. Hardy, and A.R. Stage. 1997. An Introduction to the Fire and Fuels
Extension to FVS. In: Teck, R., Moeur, and Adams. Proceedings of the Forest
Vegetation Simulator Conference, 1997 February 3-7, Fort Collins, Co. Gen. Tech. Rep.
INT-373. Ogden UT:USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station.
Dillman, D.A. 1978. Mail and Telephone Surveys: The Total Design Method. Hoboken: John Wiley
& Sons, Incorporated. 344 p.
Fiedler, Carl E., Charles E. Keegan III, Chris W. Woodall, Todd A. Morgan, Steve H. Robertson,
John T. Chmelik. 2001. A STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT OF FIRE HAZARD IN
MONTANA. Report submitted to the Joint Fire Sciences Program, September 29, 2001.
Pp. 39.
Final Environmental Impact Statement North-Kennedy Cottonwood stewardship Project Emmett
Ranger District, Boise National Forest March 2003.
Graham, W.G. and L.J. Campbell. 1995. Groundwater Resources of Idaho. Idaho Department of
Water Resources, Boise, ID. GIS Data.
Hammond, C.; Hall, D.; Miller, S.; Swetik, P. 1992. Level 1 stability analysis (LISA)
documentation for version 2.0 USDA, Forest Service. General Technical Report INT-
285. Intermountain Research Station, Ogden, UT.
Hann, W.J., Bunnell, D.L. 2001. Fire and land management planning and implementation across
multiple scales. Int. J. Wildland Fire. 10:389-403.
Hardy, C.C., Schmidt, K.M., Menakis, J.M., Samson, N.R. 2001. Spatial data for national fire
planning and fuel management. International Journal of Wildland Fire 10:353-372.
Harris, C., P.S. Cook, and J. O'Laughlin. 2003. Forest Resource-Based Economic Development
in Idaho: Analysis of Concepts, Resource Management Policies, and Community
Effects. Policy Analysis Group, University of Idaho, College of Natural Resources,
Report No 22. Pp 82.
Holsapple, L.J., Snell, K. 1996. Wildfire and prescribed fire scenarios in the Columbia River
Basin: relationship to particulate matter and visibility. In: Keane, R.E., Jones, J.L., Riley,
L.S., Hann, W.J., tech. eds. Compilation of administrative reports: multi-scale landscape
dynamics in the Basin and portions of the Klammath and Great basins. On file with: U. S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Department of Interior, Bureau of Land
Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page 193
Management; Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project, 112 E. Poplar,
Walla Walla, WA 99362.
Homer, C.G. 1998. Idaho/western Wyoming landcover classification report and metadata.
Department of Geography and Earth Resources. Utah State University. Logan, UT
84322-9635. chomer@gis.usu.edu
Huff, M.H., Ottmar, R.D., Alvarado, E., et al. 1995. Historical and current forest landscapes in
eastern Oregon and Washington. Part I1: Linking vegetation characteristics to potential
fire behavior and related smoke production. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-355. Portland,
OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.
43p. (Everett, Richard L., team leader; Eastside forest health assessment; Hessburg,
Paul F., science team leader and tech. ed., Volume II1: assessment.).
IDEQ (Idaho Department of Environmental Quality). 2003. Rules of the Department of
Environmental Quality, IDAPA 58.01.02, "Water Quality Standards and Wastewater
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Valley County WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan Page
This plan was developed by Northwest Management, Inc., under contract with the Valley County
Commissioners and the Southwestern Idaho RC&D, with funding provided by the USDI Bureau
of Land Management and Valley County.
Citation of this work:
Schlosser, W.E. Lead Auth. 2003. Valley County, Idaho, Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire
Mitigation Plan-DRAFT. Northwest Management, Inc., Moscow, Idaho. June 28, 2004.
Pp. 196.
Schlosser, W.E. Lead Auth. 2003. Valley County, Idaho, Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire
Mitigation Plan Appendices-DRAFT. Northwest Management, Inc., Moscow, Idaho. June
28, 2004. Pp. 70.
Last Page of Document
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