Proposal for Title II Funding: USFS-TNC Prescribed Fire Module Tom Dooley State Fire Manager The Nature Conservancy

Background December 2009: TNC received a 2-year American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding through USFS With the grant: – TNC hired and equipped a four-person, four- month prescribed fire crew – TNC hired a full-time fire position for the duration of the grant – TNC purchased, as a match, a Type 6 Engine for the crew

2010 Impact FMNF —19 fires/22,109 acres – Total number of acre burned on FMNF— ~33,500 acres – % of total acreage—66% SNF —7 fires/6,375 acres – Total number of acres burned on SNF— ~34,000 acres (a record) – % of total acreage—19% Grand total for 2010 Fire Season—26 fires/29,228 acres

Comments from USFS Staff on USFS- TNC Prescribed Fire Module “…the numbers bear out the significant contribution the TNC crew is making to our program. I couldn't be more pleased with how well the partnership is working. …the Forest has a strong desire to continue the partnership beyond 2011 and expand it if at all possible.” “TNC provided a well trained and prepared crew for prescribed burn assignments.” “The crew is an asset to us, and contributes to the success of our plans.” “The TNC crew was a great asset to the Sumter fire program. The crew filled qualification gaps that were needed on the Sumter.” “Matt Snider has also offered to come up and give a hand helping some new burn boss trainees work through the burn plan process and monitoring process this summer. This is a big help...”

Title II Proposal Seek to continue effort beyond 2011 CY Use Title II funds to operate across Berkeley, Newberry, Oconee, and Union Counties. CWPPs Project Goal: – Provide added capacity to USDA Forest Service prescribed fire operations. Project Objectives: – Increase ecologically appropriate prescribed fire for the benefit of forest health and ecosystem restoration and maintenance. – Reduce hazardous fuels, especially in the wildland-urban interface. – Promote the integrity of threatened and endangered species. – Restore and maintain habitat for game and non-game wildlife species.

Partial Funding Opportunities OptionTwo YearsOne Year 4-person, 4-month seasonal crew and 1 FTE (including travel and housing) $317,922 (as proposed)$181,760 1 FTE (salary and fringe)$178,342$89,171 4-person, 4 month seasonal crew $138,152$69,076 Funding below $69,076 will fund a portion of crew or FTE time for one year.

Questions? Thank you for your consideration!