HomeMy WebLinkAboutUSDA-Forest Service-0222-CWDG-CWSF/Mason PUD 1 EOM 4 1 �Ss f-6-,))--
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ov SoN c s f C ,qr Board of County Commissioners
,;4w� c'� ,� 1820 Jefferson Street
71 PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
O Kate Dean,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 GregBrotherton,District 3
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September 6, 2022
United States Department of Agriculture/US Forest Service
Attention: Mr. Brad Simpkins, Grantor
201 14th Street, Southwest
Washington, DC 20024
RE: Funding Opportunity Number USDA-FS-2022-CWDG-CWSF/Mason PUD 1
Dear Mr. Simpkins:
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners has been advised by Mason County PUD No. 1 of their proposed
comprehensive vegetation management(VM)project to clear vegetation fuels within their easement land. We see
this as the most timely and critical means to best mitigate future wildfire risk within the heavily forested lands of
Mason and South Jefferson Counties. Presently,we understand the PUD only has the financial means to address I
small portions of easement annually,and the removal of a few dead trees. The PUD's proposed VM Project seeks to
trim the entire system in one event,which we understand will allow for the PUD to effectively maintain thereafter.
Most outages are caused by treefalls so the PUD's comprehensive plan to proactively remove danger trees, as
identified by an arborist under the project, represents a most effective wildfire mitigation strategy. We applaud the
PUD's intention to pursue federal funds for this highly needed wildfire preventative work.
We understand the PUD is only able to engage in this intentional mitigation of wildfire risk if they receive funding
from the USDA/FS via the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program. We support their plan for fuel stock
removal and ask the USDA/FS to fund the PUD's grant application so that this critical clear-cut can occur before a
major wildfire jeopardizes our power lines.
Jefferson County has supported other grant-funded projects for the PUD and enjoy a mutually cooperative
relationship for critical utility services for residents of south Jefferson County,as well as FEMA and other
emergency management activities. We see their proposed Whole—System VM Project as one that will help to
protect the electrical service that south Jefferson County depends upon for business, education,healthcare,and
household use.
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners recommends the USDA/Forest Service approve the PUD's
application for funding their VM project.
Thank you for your consideration of our PUD's proposal.
Sincerely,
Jeffers n County Board of Commissioners
Ka e Dean idi Eisenhour, Chair Greg Brotherton
District 1 District 2 District 3
Phone (360) 385-9100 Fax (360) 385-9382 jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us