KittitasCountyCWPP_September2022_Amendment_Only (2)

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Manastash-Taneum Landscape Evaluation Summary Addendum (2020) | Page 3 Figure 4. Landscape prioritization of dual benefits using PODs as a spatial framework to summarize treatment priorities. Both maps display landscape treatment priority within PODs and wildfire response benefit within PCLs. The map on the left shows the datasets at the raster level, while the map on the right shows the same information summarized and ranked within PODs and PCLs. Gray within planning area denotes locations without substantial forest cover. PCL width is inflated to display spatial patterns. PODs shown here are part of an ongoing process towards an all-lands delineation; POD boundaries are sub- ject to change following on-the-ground vetting and continued dialogue among wildfire agencies and stakeholders. LEARN MORE CONTACT This landscape evaluation was updated in 2020. Amy Ramsey More details about DNR’s priority planning areas are Forest Health Strategic Plan Coordinator available on the 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan website: 360-902-1694 https://www.dnr.wa.gov/ForestHealthPlan amy.ramsey@dnr.wa.gov Prioritizing Landscape Treatments for Dual Benefits Integration of forest health and wildfire response benefit using PODs Potential Operational Delineations (PODs) provide a pow- erful spatial framework to communicate and identify lo- cations that will deliver dual benefits for forest health and wildfire response at the landscape scale. PODs are large landscape areas delimited by Potential Control Lines (PCLs) for fire operations (suppression, prescribed fire, and managed wildfire) delineated by fire operations per- sonnel. PCLs can be roads, ridgelines, or any artificial or natural fuelbreak that provides a strategic opportunity for fire operations. Summarizing landscape treatment priori- ties (Fig. 1) within PODs and wildfire response benefit pri- orities (Fig. 3) within PCLs enables planners and managers to identify, at a high level, locations where forest health or fuels treatments can be connected to a high-priority PCL that will support firefighter operations (e.g. ingress/egress route or opportunity for engagement). There is important work to do in all Manastash-Taneum PODs. First priority PODs follow spatial patterns of forest health treatment needs and occur predominantly in the western part of the planning area (Fig. 4; Taneum Ridge). PODs and PCLs in this planning area typically similar pri- ority rankings. One notable exception is a first priority PCL on the west side of the planning area adjacent to South Cle Elum Ridge. Further work is needed to assess PCLs lo- cally for their condition and detailed treatment needs, which will depend on management goals and values at risk. Ideally, landscape treatments will be implemented adjacent to priority PCLs where feasible to maximize both forest health and wildfire response goals. Achieving dual benefits will require primarily large, land- scape-level treatments across PODs (~100’s-1,000’s of acres) and, to a lesser extent, targeted treatments along PCLs. These two approaches combined will contribute to restoring and maintaining large portions of the landscape in a resilient condition while providing safe and effective areas for firefighter engagement during suppression, pre- scribed fire, or managed wildfire operations. Achieving forest health and wildfire response goals will require primarily large, landscape-level treat- ments across PODs (~100’s-1,000’s of acres) and, to a lesser extent, targeted treatments along PCLs.