Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an agreement with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station to conduct a study of wildland fire fuels, which can include vegetation, dead, and downed material that contribute to fires, on certain properties managed by the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve for a term of three years, in an amount not to exceed $198,467. Funding: Available in the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Fund and the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining term is subject to available funding in future budgets.
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Lead Department
Austin Water.
Fiscal Note
Funding is available in the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Fund and the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining term is subject to available funding in future budgets.
For More Information:
Inquiries should be directed to Heather Cooke, Austin Water Chief Administrative Officer, at heather.cooke@austintexas.gov or 512-972-0083.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
January 15, 2025 - Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on a vote of 10-0 with one vacancy.
Additional Backup Information:
The purpose of this agreement is to engage in a re-assessment of wildland fire fuels on land managed by Austin Water under the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. The assessment, to be conducted by experts with the Fire and Environmental Research Applications Team of the Pacific Northwest Research Station of the Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USFS FERA), will enhance and improve upon the information collected during the 2007 "Baylor Study", a fuels assessment of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve conducted by Dr. Joseph White and Baylor University's Geospatial Lab.
Significant change has occurred in this landscape since the Baylor Study was completed, including three severe droughts and two major winter s...
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