HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 09-03-19 Item 8-i - Approval of FY 2019-20 Forest Service Contract 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 3, 2019
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-i
SUBJECT: Approval of FY 2019-20 Forest Service Contract
DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks
and Recreation (DEAPR),
Financial Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
FY 2019-20 Contract David Stancil, 245-2510
2018 Summary of Accomplishments Paul Laughton, 245-2152
Christian Hirni, 245-2514
PURPOSE: To approve the annual agreement between Orange County and the North Carolina
Forest Service, a division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services (DACS), for protection, development, reforestation, management and improvement of
forestlands in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Each year, Orange County and the N.C. Forest Service enter into an
agreement under authority of Sections 113-54 and 113-59 of the N.C. General Statutes to
provide for the continuation of active protection of Orange County forestlands by the Forest
Service. The Forest Service is a component of the Division of Forest Resources within DACS,
and includes regional, district and county offices. The District 11 office is located in Orange
County on NC 86 south of Hillsborough, headed by District Forester Jennifer Roach. The
County office is located in Boone Square Shopping Center in Hillsborough.
The County and District offices of the Forest Service are actively involved with County staff from
several departments and participate in many joint activities, both in terms of statutory
responsibilities and coordinated public education efforts. Responsibilities of the District and
County Forester include:
• Promotion and practice of forest management to develop and improve forestlands, and
promote reforestation,
• Protection of water quality,
• Protection of forestlands from insects and diseases,
• Controlling forest fires in the County,
• Detecting and extinguishing fires that break out, and investigating the origin of forest
woodland and field fires,
• Enforcement of State forest fire laws,
• Provision of mutual aid in times of emergency, and
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• Taking preventative measures, educational and otherwise as necessary, to prevent forest
fires.
In addition to their statutory responsibilities, the County and District offices participate in many
public education efforts. For example, the County's Lands Legacy Program calls for the
conservation of high priority natural areas, prime forests and wildlife habitat. Part of the strategy
to address this priority is through public seminars on Sustainable Forest Management and
Stewardship, in which the County and District offices participate. Forest Service staff also
provided Wildland Fire Suppression training classes to volunteer fire departments. A summary
of accomplishments for 2018 by the Forest Service is included as an attachment.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: As is done each year, the anticipated budget for the Forest Service
contract is shared with the County prior to budget approval, and amounts budgeted accordingly
and approved as part of the County budget in June. The approved FY 2019-20 total Forest
Service budget is $147,134, with the County's share of the budget as per the proposed contract
at $58,854. These funds were included in the adopted FY 2019-20 County budget.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with this item.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The following Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact is applicable to this item:
• RESULTANT IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AIR QUALITY (Assess and
where possible mitigate adverse impacts created to the natural resources of the site and
adjoining area. Minimize production of greenhouse gases.)
Promoting sustainable forestry practices, and protecting county woodlands from forest fires and
other hazards helps mitigate adverse impacts to the natural resources of the County.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the attached
annual agreement between Orange County and the N.C. Forest Service for FY 2019-20, and
authorize the Chair to sign the agreement.
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North Carolina Department of Agriculture
" and Consumer Services
�. s N.C. Forest Service
Steven W.Troxler Scott Bissette
Commissioner Assistant Commissioner
3314 NC 86 South
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Telephone: (919) 732-8105
July 22, 2019
D-11 FA
Coop Unit
Budget-Orange County
David Stancil
Environment and Resource Conservation
PO Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Mr. Stancil:
Attached are five (5) copies of Orange County's agreement with the North Carolina Forest Service for
the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019. Please have the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners
and the County Finance Officer sign ALL five (5) copies of the attached agreements and return at least
2 (two) signed copies to the North Carolina Forest Service at the above address.
This year's budget is $147,134; with the State paying $88,280 and the County share being $58,854.
If there are any questions concerning this request, please feel free to contact County Ranger Chris Hirni
or myself.
Sincerely,
�E6.
Jennifer Johnson Roach
District Forester
JJR:pra
cc: Chris Hirni, Orange County Ranger
110 Boone Square, Suite 12
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone: (919) 732-8152
1616 Mail Service Center,Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1616
Phone:(919)857-4801 •FAX:(919)857-4802•www.ncforestservice.gov
An Equal Opportunity Employer
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Department of
Agriculture & Consumer Services
$ 147,134
Total Cooperative Appropriation
$ 88,280 60%
State
$ 58,854 40%
County
AGREEMENT FOR THE PROTECTION, DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT
OF FOREST LAND IN ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA
THIS AGREEMENT, made under authority of "An act to authorize Counties to cooperate with
State in Forest Protection, Reforestation and promotion of Forest Management,"Article 75 of
Chapter 106, G.S. 106-895 through G.S. 106-910, by Session Laws 2011-145,s. 13.25(p),effective
July 1,2011, and also under authority of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services (hereinafter Called the Department), party of the first part, and the Board of
Commissioners of ORANGE COUNTY in the State of North Carolina(hereinafter called the
Board), party of the second part, witnesseth:
That WHEREAS the said Board, recognizing the need for active forest protection, development,
reforestation, management and improvement in ORANGE COUNTY, has accepted the offer of
the Department for cooperation in accomplishing this object:
Now THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, the said
parties contract and agree to maintain a legally appointed and equipped Forest Ranger
organization in said county at the joint cost of the State and County, insofar as the joint funds
will permit, as follows:
Part I. THE DEPARTMENT AGREES:
1. To select, employ and appoint, after consultation with the Board, a County
Forester or County Forest Ranger for the purposes of controlling forest fires in said County; for
detecting and extinguishing fires that break out; for investigating the origin of forest, woodland
and field fires; for enforcing State forest fire laws; for taking such preventative measures,
educational and otherwise, as shall seem necessary to prevent forest fires; for developing and
improving the forests through reforestation promotion and practice of Forest Management
practices; and for protection from insects and diseases.
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2. To furnish to each Forester or Forest Ranger so employed a badge of office,
stationery and report forms, instructional posters for use in the County, leaflets for distributing to
landowners and others; to purchase necessary equipment, communication systems, and other
Forestry improvements deemed necessary insofar as the joint funds will permit.
3. To pay the Forester or Forest Ranger for all official services rendered, at a fair rate
of pay. Rates of pay are to be established by the Department in accord with existing State salary
schedules.
4. To direct supervise, instruct, and inspect,through its agents, the work and conduct
of the Forester or Forest Ranger,to discipline and, when necessary, discharge such Forester or
Forest Ranger.
5. To submit to the Board of Commissioners monthly (or at other mutually
satisfactory intervals) an itemized statement of all monies to be paid by the County and those
paid by the Department for proper conduct of the work within said County.
6. To make available annually from State, Federal, and other funds allotted to it, the
sum of EIGHTY-EIGHT THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY DOLLARS ($88,280)
as its share of an annual budget of$147,134 for carrying the work in said County.
Part II. THE BOARD AGREES:
1. To pay to the Department 40% of the total cost of the Forester or Forest Ranger
salaries and expenses and of other proper expenditures made in connection with the over-all
Forestry program in said County, upon receipt and consequent approval of the periodic
statements submitted by the Department.
2. To appropriate annually the sum of FIFTY-EIGHT THOUSAND, EIGHT
HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR DOLLARS ($58,854) which sum shall be available for expenditure
under the terms of this Agreement and shall represent the County's share of the annual budget.
Part 111. IT IS EXPRESSLY AGREED AND UNDERSTOOD BY BOTH PARTIES:
1. That this Agreement becomes effective July 1, 2019.
2. That the annual appropriations as set forth above may be revised by mutual
agreement between the Department and the Board, based on the amount of annual appropriation
desirable for the proper conduct of the Forestry work, such revision to become effective at the
beginning of a given Fiscal Year. Any unused balance of County funds remaining at the end of a
Fiscal Year shall revert to said County unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by both parties.
3. That the Board reimburses the Department as provided in Part 11, Item 1, by
forwarding a county voucher drawn in favor of the Department for the amount of the County's
share of expenditures as set forth in the Department's periodic statement to the Board. That such
payments be made by the Board within thirty days following receipt of the Department's billing.
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4. That title to all improvements and equipment purchased and/or constructed in
connection with this agreement will rest with the Department; such materials or their equivalent
will remain in the County as long as this agreement is in effect, or as long as they are needed by
the Department for the proper conduct of the work therein.
5. That the Forester or Forest Ranger periodically or at the request of the Board,
shall present to the Board statements of the work being done within the County, so that said
Board may be fully informed at the times regarding the Forestry finances and activities within the
County.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said parties do hereunto affix their names and
seals upon the date herein below specified.
For the Board of County Commissioners of ORANGE COUNTY:
Date Chairman
Provisions for the payment of the monies to fall due under this Agreement have been made by
appropriation duly made or by bonds or notes duly authorized, as required by the "County Fiscal
Control Act."
Date County Finance Officer
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For the North Carolina Department of A icuure & onsum ` Services:
Date t Signature
N. David Smith, Chief Deputy Commissioner
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NCFS Summary of Accomplishments in Orange County
NCFS 2018 Summary of Accomplishments in
Orange County
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FUNDED I
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Prepared by: Christian Hirni, Orange County Forest Ranger
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NCFS Summary of Accomplishments in Orange County
County Overview for 2018
The following report and attachment detail the staff and accomplishments of the
North Carolina Forest Service for Orange County and its citizens. As you can see
from the attached data and statistics, the practice and proper management of
forestry is still very important to the economy and environment in Orange County.
County N.C.F.S. Resources
Personnel
Position
County Ranger Christian Hirni 9
Assistant County Justin Bennett 13
Ranger
Forest Fire Equipment David Ward 2
Operator
County personnel are supported by 11 District Office employees based in Hillsborough, which
are 100% state funded. In addition to this, 450+employees are available from across the state to
assist with incidents and technical advice in Orange County.
N.C.F.S. Vehicles and Heavy Equipment
ModelYear W
2013 Ford F-350 4x4 Initial Attack Engine 62,000
2014 Ford F-350 4x4 Initial Attack Engine 60,000
2011 Ford F-150 Pickup 166,000
2008 Sterling Truck/Tractor& lowboy trailer 39,000
1996 John Deere 650G Crawler Tractor with Plow 1,670 Tach Hours
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NCPS Summary of Accomplishments in Orange County
Forest Resources in Orange County
Land Area in Orange County (total) 254,720 Acres
Total Forest Land 150,400 Acres
(protected by NCFS from fire,insects and disease)
Privately Owned Forest Land 136,700 Acres
(eligible for management and cost share assistance)
*Here in Orange County the N.C. Forest Service has a unique opportunity to act in
a dual role involving traditional forestry and the up and coming field of urban
forestry. Included in the statistics below is the number of urban assists and plans
conducted by our staff.
Traditional Forest Management
Traditional forestry involves assisting landowners in the management of forest
health, timber growth, timber stand improvement, harvesting and reforestation of
timber land. Recommendations are made taking into account both the goals of the
landowner and sound forest management practices that protect and enhance
wildlife and water quality.
Management Plans prepared 31
Management Plans Acres 1,174
Site Preparation Acres 27
Reforestation Acres 137
Total Harvest Acres (including 483
thinning)
Timber Stand Improvement Acres 41
Acres under Forestry Best 2,439
Management Practices
Active Logging Inspections 64
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NCFS Summary of Accomplishments in Orange County
Forest Stewardship
The Forest Stewardship Program is a cooperative effort involving several agencies
and forestry professionals. It is designed to encourage landowners to manage their
natural resources to enhance timber, fish and wildlife, water, soils, and aesthetics.
This year we are proud to announce that Orange Water and Sewer
Association has been announced as the Forest Stewardship Agency Partner
Award for 2018! Below is a list of Orange County Forest Stewardship Committee
members and the agencies with which they are associated. This year 1
comprehensive Forest Stewardship Plan covering 52 acres was written for
landowners detailing the total resources on their property and making
recommendations on how to best manage them.
Clell Britt, Assistant District Forester, N.C. Forest Service
Kelley Douglass, Wildlife Biologist, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
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Figure 1:Former District Forester John Howard presents Ruth Rouse the Forest Stewardship Award for
the OWASA Buckhorn Tract in southern Orange County
Cost Share Assistance
The N.C. Forest Service offers assistance in forest management through managing
cost share assistance in forest practices. The most common practice is of course
reforestation by way of planting trees in cutover areas or reforesting old fields. In
2018, The N.C.F.S. main program, the Forest Development Program (F.D.P.)
reimbursed landowners in Orange County with a total of$5,390 of cost share
assistance. The average cost of$85.00 per acre of reforestation is offset by the cost
share of$35.00 per acre or 40% of the total cost, allowing an additional 146 acres
to be planted in Orange County that otherwise may not have been planted. In 2019,
an additional 215+ acres have been approved for cost share assistance.
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NCFS Summary of Accomplishments in Orange County
Tree Improvement and Nursery ProUram
The N.C. Forest Service owns and operates two nurseries that are involved in
growing and selling, at a minimum cost, genetically improved and area specific
seedlings to be planted by private and public landowners in North Carolina. In
20185 the Orange County office delivered and provided planting advice on an
additional 170 assorted conifers and 420 assorted hardwoods for a total of 590
individual trees planted from N.C.F.S. nurseries. This is in addition to the 146
acres of pine reforestation done under traditional forestry practices in 2018.
Through the combined efforts of the N.C. Forest Service and our cooperative
agencies, a grand total of over 66,200 trees were planted in Orange County in
2018!
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Call your nearest N.C. Forest Service office
Prescribed Burning
The North Carolina Forest Service performs prescribed burning for private and
public landowners on a contracted basis as well as assists other local and state
agencies with their burning programs. These burns can be prescribed for the
reduction of hazardous fine fuels as well as many ecological benefits such as
improving wildlife forage and habitat. Currently in Orange County, the N.C.F.S.
has been assisting not only private landowners but agencies such as North Carolina
State Parks at Occoneechee State Recreation Area. A total of 112 acres were
managed with prescribed fire use utilizing the N.C.F.S. in some phase of planning
and/or the burn itself.
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NCFS Summary of Accomplishments in Orange County
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Urban Forest Management
Urban Forestry involves assisting landowners in the management of the health and
quality of their urban forest. This can range from individual shade trees to
neighborhood and/or community urban plans. Both the County Ranger and
Assistant County Ranger in Orange County are Certified Arborists to better assess
urban trees and forests
Shade Tree Assists 65
Urban Plans 18
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*Dogwood Anthracnose on a dogwood on the outskirts of Chapel Hill.
a' Many fungal diseases saw an uptick due the unusually wet fall/winter of
2018/19
Tree City USA
The Tree City USA program is a national program that provides the framework for
community forestry management for cities and towns across America. The N.C.
Forest Service helps administer the program with the Arbor Day Foundation here
in North Carolina. There are currently 3 Tree City USA towns in Orange County.
City Years in Program
Town of Carrboro 33
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NCFS Summary of Accomplishments in Orange County
Town of Chapel Hill 19
Town of Hillsborough 15
THE CITY USIC
Insect and Disease Control
The North Carolina Forest Service is responsible for monitoring and responding to
any report of pest and disease in the forests of our state. This can range from native
Southern Pine Beetle outbreaks to monitoring for the Emerald Ash Borer. Emerald
Ash Borer, or E.A.B, was discovered in Orange County during the late summer of
2015.
Insect and Disease Activity 3
Insect and Disease Activity Acres 61
Four-spi ned Engraver V
Sou#here Pine Bee#le
It! Five-spi ned Engraver
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4
Sic-spi ned Engraver Black Turpen#i ne B
*Black Turpentine Beetle found in a
drought stressed loblolly pine
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NCFS Summary of Accomplishments in Orange County
* Emerald Ash Borer discovered in Durham,Wake and Orange Counties in 2015.
Fire Control
In 2018, with a busy spring and a very wet fall fire season, the N.C.F.S. in Orange
County responded to 35 wildfires burning a total of 22 acres. A total of 12 warning
tickets were issued to burning offenders as part of our Fire Prevention Program.
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4
*Orange County Rangers Christian Hirni and Justin Bennet worked
expensively with Orange Rural Fire Department on a series of fires
along the railroad in Hillsborough this last fire season.
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NCFS Summary of Accomplishments in Orange County
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Information and Education
The N.C. Forest Service conducts Fire and Forest Management educational
programs for groups of all ages and demographics. These can range from Career
Days, Smokey Bear fire prevention programs at a local elementary school or
parade, local Envirothon and FFA club training, to landowner workshops to better
assist property owners in knowing their available resources.
School Programs _ 23 (Over 2100 students!!)
Town Parades � 3
Other Outreach Programs 17
Safety and Wildfire Programs 10
News Stories (Paper/Radio/T.V.) 3
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NCFS Summary of Accomplishments in Orange County
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�a
k *Smokey and Ranger Justin at a local elementary school teaching fire prevention!
*Ranger Chris at Orange County Emergency Services Education Day
Fire Department Assistance Program
The N.C. Forest Service offers assistance to all fire departments across the state
and in Orange County. Through our F.D.A.P. we are able to provide special
assistance in relation to Wildland Fire Suppression courses, a 50150 matched grant
for purchasing wildland fire gear, managing GSA purchasing for discounted fire
gear, discounted Class A foam purchasing for fire departments and the DoD/FEPP
federal loan and donation programs for the more expensive items such as trucks
and high output generators.
In 2018, White Cross Fire Department and Orange Grove Fire Department
received a full 40 hour training in Wildland Fire Suppression. The course, known
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NCFS Summary of Accomplishments in Orange County
as S-130/190 and L-180, is a federal certification administered by the North
Carolina Forest Service through the National Wildfire Certification Group. In June
of 2018, 18 firefighters with the two departments completed the full 40 hours and
are now state and nationally certified in Wildland Firefighting.
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*Smokey the Bear rides atop the new Chapel Hill Fire Department Fire Vehicle in the Chapel Hill Holiday Parade
The above report is just a brief overview of all the North Carolina Forest Service
has been involved with in the past year in Orange County. As you can see forest
management in all of its aspects and wildfire control is very active and important
in Orange County. The Forest Service is only able to accomplish the above with
the assistance of Orange County government and the 40% funding of the
cooperative budget.
We would gladly present this report at a regularly scheduled County
Commissioners Meeting or discuss it and any of our programs.
Seeing county landowners accomplish their goals of forest management and
helping the local agencies manage their programs allows us the chance to succeed
not only in our mission but also in our sense of place and appreciation here in
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NCFS Summary of Accomplishments in Orange County
Orange County. We appreciate the support of Orange County in funding the North
Carolina Forest Service mission and our continued accomplishments here in
Orange County, North Carolina.
Sincerely,
Christian Hirni
Orange County Ranger
North Carolina Forest Service
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