KittitasCountyCWPP_September2022_Amendment_Only (2)

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Manastash-Taneum Landscape Evaluation Summary Addendum (2020) | Page 1 Figure 2. Fire transmission to homes shows where fires that expose structures are most likely to originate. It is based on simulated fire perimeters given contempo- rary patterns of fuels, topography, and wind. Figure 1. Landscape treatment priority is based on three metrics of forest health – forest fire risk, drought vulnerability, overabundant forest structure – as well as wildfire transmission to homes (Fig. 2). Update from 2018 Landscape Evaluation This summary updates the landscape evaluation completed in 2018 to incorporate landscape treatment priority and wild- fire response benefit priority. This planning area was part of the WA HB 1784 pilot project to incorporate prioritization for dual benefits (forest health and wildfire response benefit) into the Forest Health Assessment and Treatment Framework. Landscape Treatment Prioritization Prioritizing for forest health & to reduce fire exposure of homes Landscape treatment priority integrates three metrics of for- est health – fire risk, drought vulnerability, and presence of overabundant forest structure types – with wildfire transmis- sion to homes. To ensure that habitat for closed canopy de- pendent wildlife is incorporated into the prioritization, we recommend overlaying the large dense forest sustainability layer when selecting treatment locations. Wildfire transmis- sion is highest in the northern and eastern portions of the planning area (Fig. 2), indicating that wildfires starting in these locations are expected to expose homes in Cle Elum and Thorp. Treatment priorities Landscape treatment priority is highest in the west- central portion, south of South Cle Elum Ridge (Fig. 1). Some moderate and low priority areas may need treat- ment to address species composition, insect and dis- ease risk, or other issues. The eastern part of the planning area is sparsely forested but contains private land, agriculture, and homes in the wildland-urban in- terface. Fuel reduction treatments, defensible space, and home hardening are needed on private parcels to protect homes in Thorp and along the Interstate 90 corridor (Fig. 1). MANASTASH-TANEUM PLANNING AREA LANDSCAPE EVALUATION SUMMARY (2020)