""~1BUfr:~~!()~ IICOLlIMfll •••

MUNK1!'AUI'IES

Community Wildfire Protection Plans

Program and Application Guide

1. Introduction2. Eligible Applicants3. Eligible Costs4. Selection Process5. Payments6. Application Process7. Contact Inf~)rmation

1. Introduction

The Program and Application Guide lays out the purpose of the CWPP fundingprogram for communities with a high risk of fire in interface areas that threatenscommunity safety and property protection. This program is intended to assist localgovernments in the development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans, and thisguide will outline how to make an application for funding.

1.1 Purpose and Objectives

In the "Filmon" report "Firestorm 2003 Provincial Review", it was recommended that theprovince take a lead role in the development of strategic plans in cooperation with localgovernment, to improve fire prevention in the interface. The Community WildfireProtection Plan program was launched in 2004, and more than 60 communities haveapplied for funding to date. Communities who have not yet taken advantage of thisfunding are encouraged to apply.

The purpose of this program is to assist comm unities in the development of plans thatwill assist them in improving tire prevention and protection in the interface areas. Thcprogram is funded by the Ministry of Forests and Range and administered by the UnionofBC Municipalities.

The objective is to improve community safety and reduce the risk of property damage.

2. Eligible Applicants.

All local governments are eligible to apply, if they meet the preconditions listed Insection 2.1.

Community Wildfire Protection Plans

2.1 Preconditions to an application.

2

This program is intended for and will give preference to medium- to high-riskcommunities who have not received funding under the program. In the case of RebrionalDistricts, more than one unincorporated community within Regional Districtboundaries may require a community wildfire protection plan; in such instancesincreased funding may be considered after a preliminary consultation with anMOFRProtection Branch representative.

A precondition for application is credible, independent evidence that there is anapparent risk to the community from interface fires. This evidence will allow acommunity to proceed to a more detailed assessment. Strategic Threat Analysis data,available through this program, will be used to assist in risk assessment during theapproval process.

3.Eligible Costs:

Eligible costs means a direct cost properly and reasonably incurred by the localgovernment in the development of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

The purpose is to develop Community Wildfire Protection Plans that 1) define riskareas for interface fires, 2) identify measures necessary to mitigate those risks, and 3)outline a plan of action to implement the measures. (A provincial standard four-category assessment will be used, based on Ministry of Forests (MOF) methodologywith refinement for local circumstances).

Scope of funding includes community hazard assessment mapping designed tocomplement data available through the Provincial Strategic Threat Analysis project.planning process development; communication of activities, community involvement,public awareness of identified hazards, and the preparation of fire interface plans forfinal councilor board consideration.

Funding may apply to certain plan implementation activities such as OfficialCommunity Plan amendments; implementation of land use, engineering and publicworks bylaws and procedures.

3.1 Ineligible Program Costs

Any cost that is not directly connected to the development of the Community WildfireProtection Plan will not be eligible for funding.

For the purpose of this grant program, funding shall not apply to:• Emergency plans or related activities

Version dated September 18, 2006

Community Wildfire Protection Plans 3

• Duplication of mapping data available from other sources• Operational fuel management plans or subsequent fuel management treatments• Ongoing public information• Local fire department training• Publication reviews or research on statutory implementation "tools" which are

available from other sources.• Any major capital acquisition.

Applicants must draw on/use existing hazard mapping and assessments through MOFand other publications or reviews of existing legislative "tools" to implement plans(from the UBCMwebsite).

3.2Conditions

• Mapping should be based on MOF methodology supplemented by local criteria.MOF staff must be invited to be a part of the hazard mapping process, as shouldlocal fire officials.

• Fire /fuel behaviour expertise must be solicited when the plan is prepared.• If your completed plan contains information with regard to higher level plans,

forest policy, impact statements (timber harvest, environmental ete), then review bya Registered Professional Forester will be required.

4. Selection process.

4.1 Screening criteria.• Application must be submitted by an "eligible applicant".• Application must be for an "eligible project".• Applicant must show that the lack of a wildfire protection plan is an identified or

apparent risk to their community.

5. Payments, Records and Accounts for Approved Projects.

The Program Manager will inform successful applicants by letter. Funding will bedispersed on project completion and confirmation of expenses by the Chief FinancialOfficer.

5.1PaymentsProgram contribution will not exceed $15,000or 50% of the actual cost of the project,unless previoll'ily approved as per 2.1 of this guide. Matching funds may include in-kind contributions such as staff and volunteer time and use of local governmentresources.

Version dated September 18,2006

CommunityWildfireProtectionPlans 4

Hardship funding may be available to communities that can demonstrate financialneed. For more information please call Sue Clark, Program Officer at 250-356-5134.

5.2Changes or Variations to the approved project.

Changes or variations to the project must be approved, in advance, by the ProjectManager. Funds are not transferable to other projects.

5.3Accounting Records.

Successful applicants must maintain acceptable accounting records that clearly disclosethe nature and amounts of the different items of cost pertaining to the planningactivities.

6. Application process

6.1 Where to apply

LocalGovernment Program ServiceUnion of BC Mlmicipalities545Superior StreetVictoria, BC V8V1T7

Sue Clark, Project OfficerPhone: 250-356-5134 Fax: 250-356-5119 E-mail: sclark®civicnet.bc.ca

6.2 Application contents:

Description of work to be undertaken that may include the following elements:

• Identifying wildfire risk areas within the community and its interface areas.

• Workplan, schedule and general overview of process

• Budget

• Funding requested

• Resolution of COlmcilor Board

VersiondatedSeptember18,2006

Community Wildfire Protection Plans

• Contact information for the project leader

• Contact information for the person responsible for handling of GIS data.

6.3 Reporting

5

Final reporting is evidence of successful completion and must include• A copy of the completed plan including electronic maps to provincial government

exchange standard (http://www.for.qov.bc.ca/his/results/SilvMap Stand.doc)• Detail as outlined in " Appendix A"• Interface wildfire action plan describing community protection measures and

responsibilities and including maintenance activities that may be required. Thisreport may also recommend implementation activities related to land use, bylawprocedures, subdivision development, landscaping and building construction.

• Next steps to be taken (if any) to implement.1 This is part of legacy building forother local governments.

• Identification of any potential pilot proj ects• Documentation of process lmdertaken and major milestones. 2

• Brief recommendations on lessons learnt.• Final report must be submitted in print and electronically. Two print copies are

required.

Completed CWPP documents and mapping developed under this program will bemade available to the public.

6.4 When to apply

Applications will be accepted on an on-going basis and processed as received. Asprogram funds are depleted, applications will be prioritized based on risk.

Appendix "A"

In order to assist you in the development process, we have provided you with the followingstandard content that should be contained within a completed Community Wildfire ProtectionPlan.

Mapping:• An overview map of the area• Land status/ownership map layer• Incorporation of Provincial Strategic Threat analysis data

I To inform UBCM of potential additional needs for snpport.2 This is part of the legacy bnilding for other local governments

Version dated September 18, 2006

Community Wildfire Protection Plans

• Final hazard map delineating areas of hazard to community

* note: clectronic mapping must be to provincial government exchangc standard(http://www.for.gov.bc.calhis/rcsults/Silv Map Stand.doc)

Reporting:

• General introduction of community and description of internal and surrounding forests• The goals/standards/and objectives of the plan• A risk/consequence analysis• Hazard assessment of key areas as per form template provided• Digital photos of fuel hazard areas (gps'd with direction of view, fuel comments etc)• Consider behaviour modeling for recommended treatment areas• Implementation plan including recommended treatments and their priority• Review and recommendations regarding changes to existing by-laws• Recommended pilot projects• A commitment to adopt and/or promote FireSmart principles• Evidence of consultation with adjoining regional districts, municipalities, First Nations,

Parks or other stakeholders as required• Evidence of a public review process

Reports must be submitted electronically.

Version dated September 18, 2006

6