The URL can be used to link to this page

Browse Search

Home My WebLink About20181086.tiffRESOLUTION RE: APPROVE SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT (SEP) GRANT APPLICATION AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) Grant Application from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Human Services, Weld County Youth Conservation Corps, to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, commencing August 6, 2018, and ending August 6, 2021, with further terms and conditions being as stated in said application, and WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said application, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, that the Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) Grant Application from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Human Services, Weld County Youth Conservation Corps, to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, be and hereby is, approved. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized to sign said application, and the Department of Human Services is authorized to electronically submit. The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 4th day of April, A.D., 2018. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO ATTEST: ddt.A4A) W Jello;eik. Weld County Clerk to the Board Deputy Clerk to the Coun ttorney Date of signature: 0414a-/8 Stele Moreno, Chair 711-4-1 Mike Freeman c.c.'. (ASO, O, Gtc rc rte) XO20-/1 2018-1086 HR0089 PRIVILEGED AND CON.FIDENTIAI., DATE: March 20, 2018 TO: Board of County Commissioners — Pass -Around FR: Judy A. Griego, Director, Human Services RE: Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) Grant Application Please review and indicate if you would like a work session prior to placing this item on the Board's agenda. Request Board Approval of the Submission of the Department's Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) Grant Application (Attachment 1). The Weld County Youth Conservation Corps (WCYCC) would like to apply for Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) grant funds. SEP funds become available when a regulated entity is cited for federal or state environmental regulations. An entity may offset a portion of the penalty associated with the citation if the regulated entity agrees to implement a SEP. In 2017, PDC Energy was cited for a violation, resulting in funding for one or more projects in Weld County. The WCYCC chainsaw crew would like to use the SEP funding to continue to partner with the Weld County Weed Division to expand removal of invasive species along the Big and Little Thompson rivers as well as the South Platte River which will make waterways more accessible and will help conserve water in these areas. The project will affect the communities of Kersey, Greeley, Evans, Milliken and Johnstown. These funds will be budgeted over the allotted 3 -year period (August 6, 2018 through August 6, 2021). WCYCC plans to apply for the maximum amount of $500,000.00 and will need to submit the application by 2:00pm on April 10, 2018. I do not recommend a Work Session. I recommend approval for the Chair to sign and the Department to submit the application. Approve Schedule Recommendation Work Session Sean P. Conway Julie A. Cozad Mike Freeman Barbara Kirkmeyer, Pro -Tern Steve Moreno, Chair Pass -Around Memorandum; March 20, 2018 — Not in CMS Other/Comments: Request thr Su�plemental Envir Projecl February 2018 1.0 Background and Purpose When a regulated entity enters into an agreement with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (the department) and/or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to resolve alleged /ioations of federal or state environmental regulations, tape agreement may include a monetary penalty or fine. The department anc EPA may allow an entity to offset a portion of the penalty if the regulated entity agrees to implement .a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP). The main elements of a SEP can generally be defined as follows: A voluntary project that Den efits public health and/or the environment beyond any steps taKen to correct. the alleged violation and beyond what is alreacy requiret by law or regulation; A project that would not have been implemented but for inclusion in the settlement agreeme A project typically implemented in the region where the alleged violation occurred; and Wnile participation in a SEP is voluntary, if both the department and the regulated entity agree to a SEP, it will be put into a Compliance Order on Consent or SEP Agreement with enforceable terms and conditions, t in October 2017, tie EPA, the Department of Justice, and the State of Colorado announced a settlement with PDC Energy, Inc. (PDC), an energy company, that comprehensively identifies and addresses alleged violations with vapor control systems at PDC9s condensate storage tank batteries in the Denver -area 8 hour ozone marginal nonattainment area (nonattainment area). On February 6, 2018, the J,S, District Court of Colorado approved the parties' settLement. As part of this settlement, PDC agreed to submit one or more possible SEP proposals for department approval within 90 days of the effective date, Recognizing the importance of community involvement, PDC is opting to use the SEP Community Process for application selection. Through this process, PDC and the department (the parties) will work together to identify potential SEP applications that will result in an expenditure by PDC ofSi million a:2c secure significant environmental or public health protection and improvement. The parties are now inviting nonprofit organizations and governmental entities to submit SEP applications that wilt benefit communities and neighborhoods in Weld County, The parties look forward to approving approximately two to five projects in this area, Project budgets should appropriately reflect the amount of environmental or public health protection and improvement received. Funcing requests must be greater than $200,000 and may not exceed 500,000, Applicants will have up to three years to complete ,projects. 2.0 AppJ c tion Procedures 2.1 Eligibility Entitles tnat are eligible to apply include: Public and governmental agencies (including schools and universities) COLORADO Dcpartsmrnt of %% is Nonorof it organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. An IRS letter recognizing tax exempt staLs of organization is required and must be attached to the application in the Appencix0 Organizations may submit multiple applications, however the evaluation committee does not expect for an organization to receive more than one award for SEP funding and will consider this during the review process, 2.2 Timeline for SEP Applications s �aK q. Iii ...�>:�` <.y fBrFfJ(i3.`Si„� e S Z,�. 'T,^�` .yy ! 0 _ S �,;:�,.., o SE jf V Applications - lH O t . ;'SST if i�-`6 M1'fMl1•�IfjC �'_/ /r�,` �.3' +;� eftg IO urne��n February 23, 2018 Release of application request arch ' 9 Informational Location: City 1100 Evans, session of 37th Evans Street CO for interested Activity applicants Room App J : 00 PM ,� 201 8 A,��dcatio►n Due Date 110, May 29, 2018 Estimated notification regarding application status August 6, 2018 Estimated start date for funded applicant projects A� ust0 g 6, All applicant may not applicant after. be completed project projects reoort at must be completed or3ior Applicant to tnis and date, the projects final but any submitted. time 2.3 informational Session for interested Applicants Though optional, interested applicants are encourages to attend the informational session on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 from 3:0C om to 4:30 pm, The location of this meeting will be at the City of Evans Activity Room, acdress: 1400 37th Street, Evans, CO 8C620. You may also join the meeting remotely via webinar, For instructions, please visit http://www.coloradoogov/cdphe/SEP. if possible, all questions to oe addressed at the informational Session should be sent in writing via email (use subject lire: "SEP Questions") to lauren.mcdonell@state.co.us oy 5pm on M.nday, March 5, 2018, Applicants without access to email may call 303-692-2979 with questions. fi ,uesLions regarding the application process will also be answered during the informational session, To attend the informational session, please RSVP oy 5pm on Monday March 5, 2018 by contacting Lauren McDonelt, SEP Coordinator, at 303-692-2979 or lauren.mcdonell@state.co.us (include in Ene subject line: "SEP Informational Session RSA/P"), Please include organization name, name(s) of those attending, contact phone number(s) and email address, 2.4 Submission of .Applications All applications must meet all of tie formatting requirements in the checklist below. The body of the application, inciudin .t.hg,contr a must t exceed eigh .5 x 11 inch pages using single spacing. Application appendices are also limited to eight (8) pages, Electronic applications must be suom itted in Microsoft Word or PDF Format. 2 (8) COLORADO Department al Public . & xctninent Eiectrolic applications; includi dg any appendices, must be contained in a Si! electronic file that is less than 10 MB in size, Please email your completed application to the department at laurenarncdonell@stateocoous (use subject lire: "SEP Application"). Please do not send an electronic file larger than 10 MB (megabytes) since the e mail may not be successfully delivered to the l epartment's internal email system, If you are unable to provide an electr nic application, please contact the SEP Coordinator 303-692-29/9 for alternative submittal options at least five business days prior to the application deadline, Applications must received by 2.:{00,,pm op Srii , 201! in order to oe considered for this 'ESP o pportunity, Incomplete applications, applications that do not meet one of the checklist requirements, and applications received after the Beads ine will not be considered, All applicants will receive n otification of the receipt of their application within three business days either via email or a phone calf an email adcress is unavailaple, AU uni unded ap 1 cations will be retained for two years for future consideration during department enforcement action settlements. There are no guarantees a project wilt be selected 3O S EP Priorities he SEPs are in tended to secure significant environment.at or public health protection and improvement in Colorado, especially for communities impacted by the aLleged violation(s), Nearly all of the condensate storage tanK batteries covered by this settlement are located in Weld County, Therefore, projects are required to provide significant environmental or public health protection and improvement within We,d County, 0 Eligible SEP Categories Eiigibi,e projects must directly benefit the environment or public health protection and improvement in at least ore priority area listed above and fall in one of the categories described below, Potion evention For the purposes of developing a SEP, a pollution prevention project is any project that substantially reduces or prevents the generation or creation of pollutants through: Source reduction - eliminating the source of poll union by changing industrial processes or substituting less polluting fuels or less toxic raw materials in existing processes; Alternative/ Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency - application of measures and technv flogies to reducer etir ornate dependency upon traditional resources, Waste minimization - conserving those materials that are sources of pollution; includes application o closed -loop processes or other resource -efficiency measures; In -process recycling returning waste materials produced during a manufacturing process directly to production within :he same manufacturing process using dedicated, fixed, and o rbysically integrated equipment so that n<, releases, including fugitive releases, occur; Innovative recycling technologies d substantially reducing the discharge of generated pollutants through innovative recycling technologies that keep the pollutants out of the e nvironment in perpetuity; and Conservation - protecting natural resources tbLrough censer nation or increased efficiency in the use of energy, water or other materials. 3 COLORADO ' Dent atPubbic tikaStwarmawrit 'gym 2 rnvironmental estorat on and Protection ti Eligible projects could include the removal/mitigation of con darninatec materials, such as contaminated soils, asbestos and leaded paint, which are a continuing source of releases and/or threats to public health 4,3 EnvironmentalEducation ELi ibte projects may include an environmertaeduca o— t component, but must also include an action component providing measurable cuantifiable envirormenta outcomes. Environmental education projects are intended to improve environmental behavior, raise the public's avvareness p actiois it can take to prevent pollution, and promote environmental sustainability. Environmental education projects increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues and provide the skills necessary to make informed decisions and take responsible actions® They teach indivi Lakk how to weigh various sides of an issue through critical thinking and enhance their own decision -making skills. © App 'cation Evaivation Criteria Threshold requirements that must be met before any application will be fully evaluated include: Su mission of completed application form that meets all formatting requirements listed in Section 2.4; and Direct environmental or public health benefits in accordance wit' STP priorities listed in Section 3O An evaluation committee wilt be formed that includes representation from the depar mer-t, the regulated entity as we as community representatives from the Weld County area, The committee wit: evaluate apps cations according to the following criteria: .1 tnvirc.mental or PubLic r kafth Protection anc Rmprovement (50 %) Priority wilt be given to projects that prevent or reduce discharges of pollutants into the environment or result in benefits to more than one media (air, water, waste, land or health) Amount of pollution avoided, reduced, recy:cLed or resources conserved; of s a r habitat u r area ew U Amount critical habitat protected/ennanced� • Reduction in risk or human exposure to pot1utants; and Amount of additional environmental or public health protection and improvement. 52 Project Evaluation , d Measurable Results (20%.) Prnor ty will be given to projects that provide quan t fiable, measurable environmental or public �leaLth protection and improvement Poten cal, for successful, and measurable results; Clearly define° project outcomes; identification of metrics that will be used and reported on; Description of how measurements will be made; Description of how the project will be evaluated; and v .r a �.�escnp non of how project results will be communicated to the community and other organizations. 53 s bi Litt' of Success ul J mr iemenicati n (20%) Priority wilt be given to projects that identify committed community partners, support or leverage additional sources of funding, and have developed a plan for sustainabitity beyond the SE' .0 ding, Feasibility of project and degree of practical implementation; a. Amoun oc community support and commitment; and .C vpattsucritci Public kleiati b .. vi o@?rat3'Sfl Potential for ongoing viability and sustainability3 5.4 Experience and �ualifcations (10%) 6.0 c C,) Level of applicant's relevant education and/or experience; Qualifications of applicant that will help make the project a success; Ability to complete the project; and Ocher sources of support, Requir 6A Cover Sheet 'cation Format and Instructions The application cover sneet, included in Appendix A of this document, must contain the following information: project title, organization contact information, federal tax identification number, total amount of funding requested, matcning/in kind contribution (if any), contact information of the project manager, 5..2 Apolication Instructions Applicants must use the format as indicated in the application template in Appen document. 62i Project Title: Please indicate the name of your project. x A of this 6/.2 Ge_ raphical Area to Benefit Most Directly from Project: identify neighborhoods, communities, cities, counties, watersheds, etc Q benefiting from this projects indicate specifically how this project wilt benefit the priority SEP areas listed in Section 3,0, 6,2,3 'EP ategory: : °lease v .�.. g / cneck one or more (if applicable boxes to incicate wnicl category of approvabte SEPs tre project falls under. Eligible categories include: Pollution Prevention, Environmental Restoration and Protection, and Environmentat Education and Training, while research projects may be considered, they must include a portion with measureable environmental benefit. 62.4 Project Summary: Provide a concise and clearly stated overview of the propose° project including ars estimate of expected environmental or public neatth protection and improvement Please keep the summary to no more than 200 words. 625 Project Narrative: Provide a detailed description of the project inctudin Problem statement; Goals/objectives; Project strategies and activities; Technical information such as: ecuipment specifications, engineering diagrams, maps, calculations, etc, This may also be included in the Appendix fl 6Q2,6 Expected Environmental or Pubtic Health Protection and improvement, This criterion, described in Section 5:1 of this document, is weighted as 50% of the evaluation criteria .for your application, Therefore, his section should be well -developed and describe in detail the expected environmental benefits or public health protection and improvement of this project, in addition, whenever possible, project benefits should be quantified and a summary of tie calculation method used and any assumptions made must be induced in tie Appendix 5J • COLORADO rtment at Sic 6„2.7 Project Evaluation and Measurable Results: This criterion, described in Section 5.2 of this document, is weighted as 20% of the evaluation criteria for your application, Describe how your project will meet this criterion. 6.2,8 Feasibility of Successful Implementation: This criterion, cescribed in Section 5,3 of this document, is weighted as 20% of the evaluation criteria points for your application, Describe how your project will mee: this criterion and address the following adc;itionat items: Need and support for the project in the community (letters of commitment and support are recommended and may be included in the Appendix; Availability of other similar services or projects in the area (if applicable); Identify project partners and describe partner rotes; Describe any potentiaL risks to the success of the project and how they will be prevented and, if they occur, addressed; a Describe any permits or other approvals required for implementation of the project and how they will be addressed; and Describe the plan for project sustainabitity beyond the SEP funding, 6 9 Project Budget: SEP funding requests must oe greater than $200,000 and may not exceed $500,000. Please complete the budget table included in the application template and itemize expenses according to the following budget categories: • Personnel (salaries, wages and fringe) - Personnel directly working on the SEP project, Includes health insurances, retirement funds, FICA, etc. that are related �.o the personnel costs. Materials and Supplies (under $5,000) - L erns that have a per --unit cost of less than $5,000. Major Equipment (over $5,000) - Items that have a per. -unit cost of $5,0O3 or more with a lifespan of at least one year. Include shipping/freight charges, fabrication, and installation. Contractors/Subcontractors - Outside labor hired under SEP Projecyo Budget breakdown for each is required. Other Direct Costs - Costs not covered by categories listed above. Indirect Cost (Limited to no more than 10% of total direct costs). The description of each line item shou,d sufficiently communicate the intended use of those funds. Add lines to the budget table as necessary. Additional budget information may be included in the Appendix. 6 2.10 .ud t Discussion: The budget narrative ins ,. describe how the costs were determined and how they relate to the project goats, In addition, please describe and quantify the availability of funding for this project from sources other than SEP contributors and confirm whether matching/in-kind contribution (if any) is associated with any federal funding (including grants), Include sources of funding both applied for and secured, directly related to this SEP, specifying what amounts are applied for and what amounts are secured, what's the average annual organizational budget 'or projects similar to the one being proposed? Caste/, Dtease indicate if your project is scalable either up or down within Weld County. J b,2.,11 Project Schedule/Work Plan: Please specify major project activities/milestones as well as the associated completion dates and responsible staff, Status reports are required at least every six mon tis for projects one year in duration or longer, For projects under one 6 COC6kraw mentalPubli 1h year in duration, a status report is required half way through the project. include each required report as a separate activity„ Please add rows as needed. All projects must De completed with the completion report submitted no later than August 16, 2021. Projects may have an earlier completion date. Completion Reports are due within 30 days of the project completion 6,.2.12 Experience and Qualifications: This criterion, describes in Section 5.4 of this document, is weighted as 10% of the evaluation criteria for your application, Describe how your project will meet this criterion. R�sum�s are not required but may be attached in the Appendix. 6213 Reporting: Review the description of reporting requirements. The applicant must mark Sa 89 any in tle appropriate pox to indicate agreement with these requirements. 6.2.12 Other Relevant Information: This section is optional. Include any additional information you feel is necessary to fully evaluate your application. If applicable, please detail the extent to which the project goes beyond any city, state or federal requirements. You may also use this section to describe your organization's mission and vision. 6 2.15 Application Appendix: Non-profit organizations must include a copy of their IRS letter recognizing the tax- exempt status of the organization. The following information is recommended but not required: Letters of commitment from local governments, school districts, comrnunLy leaders, etc a Copies of signed Memorandums of Understanding (Mots) or later -Agency Agreements with regional partners (if applicable) a technical information such as: equipment specifications, engineering diagrams, maps, metric calculat;ors, etc Note: The evaluation committee will not be able to contact applicants with clarifying questions, so please make sure to include all details that m ig-it be helpful, Consider what questions or concerns might arise for someone learning about your project for the first time and clearly address tnem 7j .COLORADO.. Department at Public Melt 6 ftviroxntt Appendix A: Supplemental Environmental Project APPLICATION COVER SHEET Project Title: Weld County Land and Water Conservation Project Organization: Weld County Address: 1150 O Street City, State, Zip: Greeley, CO 80631 Email Address: hbernhardt@weldgov.com Website Address: Wcycc.org Phone Number: 970-400-6757 Fax Number: 970-346-7981 Federal Tax Identification Number: 84-6000813 Legal Tax Status (check one): Nonprofit* X Governmental Entity/School *If nonprofit, you must attach a copy of your IRS tax exempt letter to this SEP Application By signing and submitting this application, the applicant agrees to operate the program as described in the SEP Application and in accordance with the department's SEP Policy. The applicant agrees that the information provided in this application is, to the best of the applicant's knowledge and based on reasonable inquiry, true, accurate, and complete. The applicant understands that knowingly submitting any false information on this application could result in the project not being considered for funding or voiding any current or future contracts with the department of Public Health and Environment. Print name of Authorized Official: Steve Moreno Signature of Authorized Official: *Please insert electronic signature into the box on the right Date: APR 0 4 2018 Title: Chair, Board of County Commissioners Project Manager or Main Project Contact: Name: Holly Bernhardt Title: Program Coordinator Address: 315 N 11th Ave Bldg. B Email: hbernhardt@weldgov.com Phone: 970-400-6757 Total Amount of SEP Funds Requested: $500,000.00 Total Matching/In-Kind Contributions: $151,060.89 Total Project Cost: $651,060.89 Page 1 of 8 go a- WG (t) Supplemental le,mental � vfi��onme� ppntFa�1 Project lc� � �'1c � �Sd� 7� L t C ] I] �_ `� �n �„ GSA.. l �,i �. � J '•f l] J APPU CATION FORM rc.jectT6tde Weld County Land and Water Conservation Project Area Geograph°cal Most From to Directly Project Benefit i Properties border benefitted the in the Big from and this Weld Little project. County Thompson communities Rivers, of as well Kersey, as the Evans, South Milliken Platte and Johnstown River will be directly that Eligible Category SEP l� 17 X Pollution Environmental Environmental Prevention Restoration Education and Protection X Sum ,,.. ti it Project anary The of invasive Rivers targeted. chemical chemical spread be chainsaw "term hours multiple participating. Weld Weld hired in in of worked; species to County, service". communities and for a certificate County Weld Russian thin complete the the layer this on County. Youth will project. olive cut Members properties as money hire as the well Conservation and material requested within This The project. up as can is Tamarisk earn to bordering chipped be approximately chipped. eligible be Weld 48 They $2,907.50 by used young County Corps the trees material will for the for land adults The be a (WCYCC), Big in higher will hired Segal but Thompson, 26 Weld will owner. Segal during be will as Education education. miles be a cut County left AmeriCorps Education impact Young program the of down, on on 3 Little river Weed -site site adults Award the -year This the Award within Thompson for lives bottom members project ages upon grant stumps Division the Employment dollars of land 18-24 completion period lands not the and and treated will owners for years only young South that earn to supply every Services benefits remove old a of Platte will with use S-212 their adults 900 the will be or a Page 2 of 8 Project escriptaon The banks of the Little Thompson, Big Thompson, and South Platte Rivers are quickly becoming infested with invasive species. These invasive species are taking over other species native to the area. Specifically, the Russian Olive and Tamarisk trees are both deep rooting and consume more water than most native species, making them dangerous to Colorado's water and the native species they are over taking. The Russian Olive are a thorny tree and make access to the river banks nearly impossible. If the work is not completed, eventually known invasive species will take over native species and continue to spread by means of the waterways they grow around and by the wildlife that consume and carry the seeds to new areas. Weld County has many disenfranchised young adults that have multiple barriers preventing them from being successful in education and employment. Some of these barriers may include: low-income, pregnant/parenting, individuals with disabilities, criminal history etc. Many of these individuals are first generation students that are looking for ways to end the reoccurring cycle of poverty. In 2016 the Weld County Weeds Division received funding from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to begin the project of eradicating the invasive species from the waterways of the rivers. The Weeds Division collaborated with the Weld County Youth Conservation Corps (WCYCC) to complete the project of eradication. The grant period will end June 2018 leaving 26 miles of river untreated. The goal of this project is to eradicate the Russian Olive and Tamarisk along the 26 -mile stretch that has been untreated on the Little Thompson, Big Thompson, and South Platte Rivers allowing the collaboration to continue with the Weld Weeds Division. If WCYCC can complete this work, it will allow 48 young adults to opportunity to complete a 900 -hour AmeriCorps term of service. During the term the members will not only be able to have a direct impact on the environment in their County, they will also be able to earn a S-212 Chainsaw Certification, valuable work skills to help them become permanently employed, environmental awareness that we hope will lead to future stewards of our lands, and a Segal Education Award to help them attend post -secondary education. It is expected that over $139,000.00 in Segal Education Awards will be earned by members throughout the 3 -year grant period. Based on our future forecast it is determined that completing this project will take 52 weeks. Spreading this project out over the 3 -year grant period will ensure completion of this project as well as completing other project commitments. The Russian Olive and Tamarisk trees will be cut down with chainsaws; all material will be chipped on -site. The chips will be left in a pile for the landowner to utilize or be distributed in a thin layer to decompose on -site or removed based on the landowners needs. Additional efforts will be made to work with each of the towns and other entities to see if there is the option to utilize the chips as mulch in local landscaping or as a soil treatment for newly seeded areas. The chemical used in the cut stump treatments will be labeled for aquatic sites, and will be Garlon 3A or Rodeo. The proper timing and rates will be utilized based on which product is selected. Page 3 of 8 Expected Environmental or Public Health Prot` cU d and Improvement 0 Project Evaluation r and Measurable Results Since 2000 noxious weed compliance has been a priority in the South Platte River Watershed, which includes the Big and Little Thompson and South Platte Rivers. Weld County Youth Conservation Corps, in partnership with Weld County Weed Division, West Greeley Conservation District, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Colorado Department of Agriculture, Central Colorado Water Conservancy District, City of Evans, Town of Milliken, City of Greeley, City of Fort Lupton and Colorado Corn Administrative Committee, received Colorado Water Conservation Board grant funds to begin the removal of Russian Olive and Tamarisk bordering waterways in Weld County. The funding covered a 2 -year period (June 2016 through May 31, 2018) and funded 29.3 weeks of tree removal and chipping by the WCYCC Chainsaw Crew. Once thought to be a beneficial windbreak, Russian olive has since been deemed detrimental to the environment. Russian Olive can outcompete native plants, interfere with natural plant succession and nutrient cycling, and tax water reserves. Because Russian Olive is capable of fixing nitrogen in its roots, it can grow on bare, mineral substrates and dominate riparian vegetation. Tamarisk is an invasive shrub or small tree found along and n ear river banks or in water reserves. Tamarisk can uptake nearly 200 gallons of water a day, and pulls up alkaline water which is deposited on the surface of the leaf and returned to the u pper soil via a leaf drop. Tamarisk are thriving in the alkaline soils and replacing native vegetation, altering the ecosystem. In addition, both Russian Olive and Tamarisk are n arrowing and channelizing streams and rivers, as well as limiting human and animal use of the waterways. By targeting and removing both noxious weeds, WCYCC will re -open waterway access to humans and animals, allow for native vegetation to re-establish itself and reduce excessive water consumption by both highly invasive species. Upon completion of the 52 weeks that will be completed over the 3 -year grant period a 3 -year monitoring period will begin. During this time, visual inspection will take place twice a year on treated lands to determine that there is no re -growth of the treated invasive Russian olive and Tamarisk trees, that secondary noxious weeds have not invaded and that native species are filling in and establishing themselves. The inspections will be done by WCYCC staff and field coordinators and results will be reported accordingly. If there is a failure of any one of these items, follow-up will be scheduled and implemented in a timely manner. In addition to the monitoring of treated lands, WCYCC staff will monitor the progress and accomplishments of members who took part in the project. Use of the Segal Education Award will be tracked, as well as employment outcomes and self-sustainability. Page 4 of 8 Feasibility of Successful Implementation The Weld County Youth Conservation Corps (WCYCC) has an established chainsaw crew, outfitted with the tools and skills needed to complete this project. These funds would allow WCYCC to complete the remaining noxious weed removal work needed to rid Weld County waterways of Russian olive and Tamarisk trees and preserve Weld's water. Work funded previously has proven successful and was accomplished during the time frame that was set out. The best treatment option for removing the invasive trees, while disturbing the least amount of ground, is the cut stump treatment and chipping the removed woody material. This provides the least amount of disturbance, keeping other secondary weeds from moving in by protecting what grasses and other native vegetation are in the area. Using the appropriate chemical and timing with the cut stump treatment also provides the best root control. Pr ject Budget udget Category l Personnel (Salaries, Wages) Desc ij Von SEP Cost Matching or In -kind Funds . -^ zwit='Er r. :.2D7.J 1�ia4 a.L".: 3.0 FTE Annual Salary — 52 weeks Total Cost $127,193.45 $127,193.44 $254,386.89 Materials and Supplies Project Supply Line Items < $5,000 (See Budget Discussion for breakdown of line items) $9,806.55 $2,267.45 $12,074.00 Major Equipment Contractors/ Subcontractors WCYCC Chainsaw Crew — 52 weeks $363,000.00 $363,000.00 Other Direct Costs S-212 Chainsaw Training — 32 members X $675.00 each $21,600.00 $21,600.00 Indirect Costs (limited to no more than 10%) Page 5 of 8 s Total: $500,000.00 $151,060°89 $651,060O89 ,e �k. .� J#� p� } Discussion 4 , �; y . ;� .m� T' ry:r " , � y " Budget . i,4 ay` -�N {� �� , 6 �� W , : X' " ��`` X s,,` , a. sF . R N this The which for cost breakdown completed, chemical fuel kind members protective of Awards. service 3 amount of mix) half will full equals the q not time used $923.00, of completing throughout labor hours the equipment come requested a to employees to project the three of treat directly the worked, chains following: full total the (boots, the for cut Chainsaw and time out this over trees stumps S-212 3 of -year g $ saw of grant the employee chaps, 651 Dell the cut Chainsaw Crew C p grant is � 060.89. 52 -week e tablet etc. (includes maintenance eyeprotection, grant, $500,00.00 Y for period $3,300.00, salaries the The 52 with Training. dye project, SEP weeks. and members will real-time $689.00, over with earn funds vehicle surfactant) In materials The the -kind gloves, an that over in will line and 52 tracking -kind fuel funds items -week hard successfully $139,000.00 cover co and bar and $2,099.55, contribution e oil supplies project will hats) half of software a maintenance $315.00. materials also of $ complete the saw and 2 p in <$5,000, include: 267.45. Segal of to annual WCYCC the $151,060.89 and track fuel $2,480.00, cost their Education (includes personal Although salaries and supplies will miles of term the in- 32 g `t r m . } `�,xy�-.fib Yh Sched@leill Work yb ` n is 3 3 � oe�. PaO M z. , Plan Arc t f ,. Activities Staff Responsible Date Project Planning/Member Training WCYCC Staff and Crew August 31, 2018 10 Weeks of Cutting and Chipping WCYCC Chainsaw Crew December 2018 31, Member Training WCYCC Staff and Crew April 30, 2019 18 Weeks of Cutting and Chipping pp g WCYCC Chainsaw Crew December 2019 31 Member Training WCYCC Staff and Crew April 30, 2020 18 Weeks of Cutting and Chipping pp� g WCYCC Chainsaw Crew December 2020 31, Member Training WCYCC Staff and Crew April 30, 2021 t; 6 Weeks of Cutting and Chipping WCYCC Chainsaw Crew July 15, 2021 Final Report Submitted WCYCC Staff August 6, 2021 Page 6of8 The Weld County Youth Conservation Corps (WCYCC) was established in 1993. Since its inception, WCYCC has intentionally engaged disenfranchised young adults in Weld County. Over the course of the past 25 years, WCYCC has grown from one eight -person crew to serving an average of 35 young adults each year. WCYCC found value in developing a Chainsaw Crew in 2010 due to the increase of noxious species that were displacing native trees and affecting native wildlife. Throughout the past 8 years there have been two Chainsaw Crew Leaders that are both still on staff and have the knowledge and certification to train and lead the young adults that serve on the chainsaw crews. The crew cuts an average of 34 weeks during each year; primarily Russian Olive and Tamarisk. The Crew Leaders are well versed about the chainsaws and equipment maintenance used to complete this type of project without increasing unnecessary costs. Both Crew Leaders are invasive species subject matter experts and have extensive chemical training. he applicant has reviewed the reporting recuirennents below and i� selected for SE?' funding, agrees to adhere to these reeuirements. Applicant's Biannual Status Reports The applicant will submit a biannual project status report to the department's SEP Coordinator with a copy to PDC. Status reports will be submitted using the department's template and include the following information: A description of activities completed to date; A budget summary table listing funds expended to date by budget category; and A discussion of any anticipated changes to the project scope or timeline. Applicant's Final SEP Completion Report The applicant will submit the SEP Completion Report to the department's SEP Coordinator with a copy to PDC within 30 days of project completion. The applicant's Final SEP Completion Report will be submitted using the department's template, and will contain at a minimum: A detailed description of the project as implemented; A summary table identifying project deliverables and tasks along with the associated completion date; A description of any operating problems encountered and the solutions thereto; A full expense accounting including itemized costs, documented by copies of purchase orders, contracts, receipts or canceled checks; ® Demonstration that the SEP has been fully implemented in accordance with the SEP application; A description of the environmental or public health protection and improvement resulting from implementation of the SEP along with quantification of the outcomes and benefits; Examples of brochures, educational or outreach materials developed or produced as part of the SEP; and Photographs documenting both project implementation and results. Depending on the project scope, the department may also require the applicant to develop and submit a case study with the Completion Report. (C� PDC requires a copy of the Applicant's Biannual Status Reports and Applicant's Final SEP Completion Report. These reports will be used by PDC to comply with the Consent Decree requirement that PDC submit a SSEP Completion Report to CDPHE within 60 days of the completion of each of the SSEPs. Page 7 of 8 WCYCC Crews are funded through grants or fee -for -service work and do not receive Weld County dollars. Projects such as this are critical to the sustainability of the program which allows WCYCC to serve the communities within Weld County and the young adults which reside in the County. This grant would allow the continuation of a project that would not be completed due to unavailable funds. Completing this project would allow the collaboration to continue with the Weld Weeds Division to complete the 26 mile stretch of untreated area and make a large dent in the goal of eradicating invasive species and conserving Weld County's water. Page 8of8 n3.:Y.17 .ta••1"•••siarnirgias. s,...�.�a a- sca:a wC .Hact:1. B' igteai!4ed'4�.k•'w'a•:,:t: Tamarisk and Russian Olive Removal on the Big Thompson, Little T • nct. n and a Portion of tie South PLatte Rivers t nd Highways Paved • Gravel • clipped south platte river .• clipped poudre clipped little thompson clipped big thompson 50 48 46 44 42 40 38 36 1 3 5 µ w•.•c •1 t -- Y7.• •,......—. . S 1 :- 7 t I �ti1 yaa.i �, ' _A , a ' 7 9 11 1114 • _ •. i... I, 68 66 64 62 60 58 56 54 52 f't\ 4 -acres- 1 raw_ ,.T,,.. I a am. .. • • i. • -I I'" of I i.� "tile r r-. ,_+.... • h: • �.+11..x,.. ....._ I ii! :. ;at:am I r .. 'I :uxvn cI 1 1 1 :t' t . i `` 9,.:.;.1.:-, �.:M j... 3`5•� .._,..37.1.. �ii �,.. .13 1,5 ( $ i j i 0{011010..a. 04 ..t • I PrO0f.. .{—. "i• 1 of 1 .r _r.�it .. .f _ l'i...I `.. whiasninewistwa ....1 . r•a ites C. • ,.. • r1 1°...r....r...... a a s .. . I rt, • i�1i f • .? 11:7ww:wb.: &it: . "I::J i:,17.1/1w.s.7...i.: s a S .T..:01 lir...4\ „. tti.44 5 Y.1 .aoatlKT: at I a ' I A-- I i .- r a I r yr 1 • .a. _..lei. • • e' • el _ .?-'�� ..'. I ..SS.,.rf616'Mh.fn tnnl. ..S.. . y.: t •• a i • y• .64; • .x.,%..lei.:. •••••• • 1 _4! .�...1 y- .... . • ... . .. r1 S' ..lei ' • 1_; I ., , , a i-.. w y1 r -C t•; i •;•N a • • 1 No TRO Trees Relierfttraildtilglyn&Itiis,$14,n,10 Remove, ittjtglio Waif TRO Treated in 2018 ttliOnatfte ri tar • • • PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1111 H STREET PO BOX 758 GREELEY, CO 80632 PHONE (970)304-6496, Ext. 3750 FAX: (970)304-6497 WEBSITE: www.co.weld.co.us March 29, 2018 To Whom It May Concern; The work proposed in this grant application is part of the work that is being done in Weld County to remove the state designated noxious weeds: Russian olive and tamarisk trees. All work will be done on properties that the landowners voluntarily agree to and sign permission slips. The focus of this project has backing from the State Noxious Weed Law. This project is a continuation of a larger project that was started in 2016 and will end in June 2018. The entire project plan is to address the all the Little and Big Thompson Rivers along with the South Platte River up to the confluence with the Cache La Poudre River in Weld County for Russian olive and tamarisk removal. As this is a continuation of the first project, landowners have already been contacted and a waiting list created to have work done on their properties to remove the Russian olive and tamarisk. We have also received additional requests for more Russian olive and tamarisk tree removal than what we can address in the scope of the project. These additional properties are close to the rivers, however, they do not directly border the rivers as is the requirement for these grant projects. If there are any questions, please contact me at 970-304-6496 ext. 3770. Sincerely, Tina Booton Weed Division Supervisor Hello