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and the development of an RFP to hire consultants to assist with preparation of the plan. John Copeland, NDF Region 4 Western Grant Officer was also asked to attend and he strongly suggested using an existing Stewardship Plan for the Ranch as the basis for requesting funding available through the federal Steven Program to use for brush mastication and removal from the eastern slope of the Ranch.
As a result of these early efforts, the planning process is fully engaged with consultants hired (Blackbull Wildfire Services, Missoula,MT) and introduced at the Annual Meeting of the Job's Peak Ranch Community Association on July 31, 2004. The initial draft of their planning recommendations for fuel reduction and related projects (the "Plan"), including an evacuation plan, is due September 11, 2004. Another community meeting is already scheduled on that date with representatives from the USFS, NDF, East Fork Fire District and other interested agencies also invited to give their input before the Plan is finalized.
In the interim, Job's Peak Chapter has been approved for Steven Program funding which is due to be released from NDF imminently. These funds have been earmarked for sage and brush removal on the eastern slope of the Ranch in the fall or early winter when it is safe to commence with this project.
Members of the Job's Peak Ranch Chapter include: Hank Buhrmann, Dave Early -- Registered Forester, Pete Pitsker, Mike Veatch, and Bob Wellise. Elwood Miller and Pat Murphy are standing guests/consultants to the Chapter.
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