• The meeting started at 10:05 a.m. with a welcome by Phil Davis, Chairperson of the RAC. It was determined that a quorum was present.

• Chair Phil Davis reviewed the meeting agenda and asked for additions and/or modifications. No changes were offered.

• DFO Randy Swick indicated the minutes for the May 15 meeting had not been finished due to Kelly Woods absence on a fire assignment. They will be reviewed and approved at the next RAC meeting.

• DFO Randy Swick provided a quick review of the RAC mission statement and operating guidelines, and made sure all members had hard copies. He also circulated a handout noting RAC per diem and travel expenses for the May RAC meeting, and total through June 18.

• DFO Randy Swick distributed copies of the project log, both the summary of all projects, listed in the order projects were submitted, and the summary of projects by county. He reviewed changes to the logs since the May meeting. Highlights included the signing of project approval and agreement forms for Projects #02006, 02009, 02025 and 02026. Project #02034, Featherville Hazardous Fuels Project, which was recommended by the RAC for approval at the May meeting, was withdrawn by the sponsor.

• Chair Phil Davis initiated the Form Part 2 review of projects which had been recommended for further consideration after completion of their Form Part 1 reviews at the May meeting. The Form Part 2 review was conducted in accord with the RAC’s operating guideline for project proposal evaluation.

Project Log #: 02005

Project Name: Price Valley Parking Lot

Project Sponsor: Kump, Adams County Sheriff’s Office

Discussion: The project sponsor was present. Scot Kump responded to questions raised by the RAC from the Form Part 1 Review. An in-kind match in services will be provided by Adams County. The County will provide snow plowing, general maintenance, and sanitation services for the lot. The yearly maintenance cost will be figured at: 2 hrs. @ 113.00/ hr @15x in the winter months. Scot discussed the varied benefits to recreation users and local economies. Regarding impacts to private lands, Scot indicated the area is surrounded by mostly public land. A letter of support from the Adams County Commissioners was attached to the Form Part 2. NEPA and associated compliance processes could be completed this summer.

Evaluation Relative to Criteria: Composite Score - 36

RAC Decision: A motion to recommend the project to the Forest Supervisor was made by Darel Harris and seconded by Bob Coates. Motion carried unanimously. The recommended funding amount is as stated in Form Part 2, $25,000. Project approval and agreement forms will be prepared.

Project Log #: 02030

Project Name: Upgrade Adams County Weed Department

Project Sponsor: Burkhardt, Adams CWMA

Discussion: The project sponsor was present. Julie stated it would be beneficial for Adams County to have a functional weed dept. They are moving forward to get a F/T Supervisor and one P/T employee. Student help will also be available, and will benefit students. Julie indicated that their main goal was eradication, control, and containment of all noxious weeds along the roadway. Also to keep these weeds from spreading to public lands. A question was asked about equipment usage and how soon it could be put to use. Julie replied as soon as the equipment was purchased it would be used.

Evaluation Relative to Criteria: Composite Score - 39

RAC Decision: A motion to recommend the project to the Forest Supervisor was made by Sandra Mitchell and seconded by Scot Kump. Motion carried unanimously. The recommended funding amount is as stated in Form Part 2, $49,085. Project approval and agreement forms will be prepared.

• Chair Phil Davis initiated the Form Part 1 review of proposed projects which had been screened by the DFO and RAC Chair and advanced for further consideration by the RAC. The Form Part 1 review was conducted in accord with the RAC’s operating guideline for project proposal screening.

Project Log #: 02012

Project Name: Public Lands Access Road Maintenance

Project Sponsor: Idaho City RD

Discussion: Project sponsor was not present. Andy Brunelle shared what he knew about the project. It deals with specific stretches of roads in national forest: #384, 286, and 327. Atlanta Highway District may be able to offer some matching funds.

RAC Decision: A motion to advance project from Form Part 1 to Form Part 2 was made by Tom Glass and seconded by John Gebhards. Motion carried unanimously. Sponsor should complete Form Part 2. Sponsor must also provide further information as noted:

Project Log #: 02013

Project Name: North Fork Boise River Road Stabilization

Project Sponsor: Idaho City RD

Discussion: Project sponsor was not present. Andy Brunelle indicated the project was on one of the same road segments (#327) identified for work in project #02012 . The Atlanta Highway District may be able to offer some matching funds. He said it was a high priority project for the District and the County.

RAC Decision: A motion to advance project from Form Part 1 to Form Part 2 was made by Tom Glass and seconded by Darel Harris. Motion carried unanimously. Sponsor should complete Form Part 2. Sponsor must also provide further information as noted:

• Lunch – A working lunch was provided. The RAC was joined by Mark Madrid, new Forest Supervisor for the Payette National Forest, Bob Giles, who had been the Acting Forest Supervisor for the Payette, and Bob Russell, Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Boise National Forest. The three entertained questions from the RAC, and then departed.

• The RAC continued with Form Part 1 reviews.

Project Log #: 02015

Project Name: Burgdorf-French Creek Road Gravelling

Project Sponsor: Hays, Payette National Forest

Discussion: Representative for project sponsor was present (Cliff Steele, Forest Engineer). Cliff stated the whole project would gravel seven miles along Lake Creek, a key spawning and rearing area for ESA listed fish species. Because of costs, the project had been divided into two viable segments, three and four miles, respectively. The Forest had pursued, but unsuccessfully, several other possible funding sources. The affected road segment is a County road, maintained by Idaho County, but traversing National Forest lands for most of its length. The Idaho County Road Sup indicated they do not have funding for the project, but the County Commissioners did endorse the project at their May 13 Board Meeting. The Forest is willing to provide design and contract admin services.

RAC Decision: A motion to advance project from Form Part 1 to Form Part 2 was made by David Whaley and seconded by Sandra Mitchell. Motion carried unanimously. Sponsor should complete Form Part 2.

Project Log #: 02033

Project Name: Burgdorf-French Creek Road Cutslope Restoration

Project Sponsor: Hays, Payette National Forest

Discussion: Representative for project sponsor was present (Cliff Steele, Forest Engineer). Cliff shared that the project would stabilize cutslopes and drainage ditches delivering sediment to Lake Creek, a key spawning and rearing area for ESA listed fish.

The affected road segment is a County road, maintained by Idaho County, but traversing National Forest lands for most of its length. Neither the Forest Service or County have funding for this project, but the Idaho County Commissioners did endorse the project at their May 13 Board Meeting. The Forest is willing to provide design and contract admin services.

RAC Decision: A motion to advance project from Form Part 1 to Form Part 2 was made by John Gebhards and seconded by Bob Coats. Motion carried unanimously. Sponsor should complete Form Part 2.

Project Log #: 02019

Project Name: Retaining Wall, Yellow Pine to Stibnite Road

Project Sponsor: Kahler, Payette National Forest

Discussion: Representative for project sponsor was present (Cliff Steele, Forest Engineer). Cliff stated that the project would reduce sloughing on a cutslope that keeps unraveling around a blind corner. Sloughing material dumps into East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River. Numerous questions were raised regarding exact location of site, whether a site survey had been done, design and cost of project. Concern was also raised that project had not been reviewed by County Commissioners.

RAC Decision: A motion to drop project from further consideration was made by Barry Ross and seconded by Darel Harris. Motion carried unanimously. Sponsor may resubmit project but should do so only after addressing concerns and consulting with County Commissioners.

Project Log #: 02020

Project Name: Replace Monumental Summit Road Culverts

Project Sponsor: Kahler, Payette National Forest

Discussion: Representative for project sponsor was present (Cliff Steele, Forest Engineer). Cliff stated that the project would replace three existing culverts, and reset them deeper to facilitate fish passage. The current culverts were improperly installed, and also create a bump in the road surface.

RAC Decision: A motion to advance project from Form Part 1 to Form Part 2 was made by John Gebhards and seconded by Barry Ross. Motion carried unanimously. Sponsor should complete Form Part 2. Sponsor must also provide further information as noted:

Project Log #: 02022

Project Name: Maintain South Fork Salmon River Road

Project Sponsor: Kahler, Payette National Forest

Discussion: Representative for project sponsor was present (Cliff Steele, Forest Engineer). Cliff stated that the project would provide needed mainteance to a primary recreation artery. The Forest had invested millions into the paving of the road, and needed to address recurring maintenance needs. The road also parallels one of the most important rivers for ESA listed fish species, the South Fork Salmon River. Planned maintenance would reduce sediment to the river. The Forest requested funds but was unsuccessful in receiving them. There are no other known matching funds, but Lois Van Hoover did indicate she know possible sources for matching funds. The Forest is willing to provide design and contract admin services.

RAC Decision: A motion to advance project from Form Part 1 to Form Part 2 was made by Sandra Mitchell and seconded by David Whaley. Motion carried unanimously. Sponsor should complete Form Part 2. Sponsor must also provide further information as noted:

Project Log #: 02021

Project Name: Replace Culverts on Middle Fork Weiser Road

Project Sponsor: Hays, Payette National Forest

Discussion: Representative for project sponsor was present (Cliff Steele, Forest Engineer). Cliff stated four major culverts would be replaced on this County Road segment. They are undersized and identified as fish passage barriers. Would install open bottom culverts to allow fish and other marine life to pass through easily. Questions were raised about size of culverts, and high cost associated with replacement. There are no other known matching funds. The Forest is willing to provide design and contract admin services.

RAC Decision: A motion to advance project from Form Part 1 to Form Part 2 was made by Tom Glass and seconded by Ed Mansfield. Motion carried unanimously. Sponsor should complete Form Part 2. Sponsor must also provide further information as noted:

Project Log #: 02011

Project Name: Hwy 21 Mechanical Fuels Reduction

Project Sponsor: Kuo, Idaho City Ranger District

Discussion: Project sponsor was not present. Andy Brunelle and Ronn Julian shared their understanding of the project. It was a high priority for the Forest. Funding would be needed in FY’03. The purpose is to reduce wildland fire risk. There is no clear line between wildland fuels and residential areas. Project would use thinning and prescribed fire treatments. District started treatments last year. Material to be treated is second growth pine in plantations. Limited commercial product opportunity.

RAC Decision: A motion to advance project from Form Part 1 to Form Part 2 was made by Scot Kump and seconded by Tom Glass. Motion carried unanimously. Sponsor should complete Form Part 2. Sponsor must also provide further information as noted:

• Chair Phil Davis inquired if any of the projects reviewed today had completed Form Part 2, and if so, if the RAC would like to review them for potential approval and recommendation to the Forest Supervisors. DFO Swick indicated several projects did have Form Part 2 completed, and that there were two projects that had been deferred at the May meeting that were available for Form Part 2 reviews. The RAC proceeded to conduct the Form Part 2 reviews for four projects. The Form Part 2 review was conducted in accord with the RAC’s operating guideline for project proposal evaluation.

Project Log #: 02015

Project Name: Burgdorf-French Creek Road Gravelling

Project Sponsor: Hays, Payette National Forest

Discussion: Representative for project sponsor was present (Cliff Steel, Forest Engineer). Lois Van Hoover emphasized desire to see value added contract approach to assure use of local contractors. No further discussion.

Evaluation Relative to Criteria: Composite Score - 35

RAC Decision: A motion to recommend the project to the Forest Supervisor was made by John Gebhards and seconded by Sandra Mitchell. Motion carried unanimously. The recommended funding amount is as stated in Form Part 2, less the $15,000 overhead assessment, for a total of $120,000. Project approval and agreement forms will be prepared.

Project Log #: 02033

Project Name: Burgdorf-French Creek Road Cutbank Stabilization

Project Sponsor: Hays, Payette National Forest

Discussion: Representative for project sponsor was present (Cliff Steele, Forest Engineer). Lois Van Hoover emphasized desire to use value added contract approach to assure use of local contractors. Recommendation was made to consolidate this contract with contract for Project #02015. RAC also believed work items under this project should be done before gravelling under Project #02015. No further discussion.

Evaluation Relative to Criteria: Composite Score - 37

RAC Decision: A motion to recommend the project to the Forest Supervisor was made by Sandra Mitchell and seconded by Barry Ross. Motion carried unanimously. The recommended funding amount is as stated in Form Part 2, less the $8,560 overhead assessment, for a total of $68,500. Project approval and agreement forms will be prepared.

Project Log #: 02003

Project Name: Brownlee Watershed Improvements

Project Sponsor: Lesch, Weiser Ranger District

Discussion: Form Part 2 review was completed at May RAC meeting. RAC chose to defer a decision on the project until other proposed road projects were reviewed at June meeting. Planned work will be done by Forest Service. No further discussion.

Evaluation Relative to Criteria: Reference May 15 meeting minutes.

RAC Decision: A motion to recommend the project to the Forest Supervisor was made by Barry Ross and seconded by Ed Mansfield. Motion carried unanimously. The recommended funding amount is as stated in Form Part 2, $22,500. Project approval and agreement forms will be prepared.

Project Log #: 02010

Project Name: Middle Fork Payette River Road Restoration

Project Sponsor: Julian, Cascade Ranger District

Discussion: Project sponsor was present . Ronn Julian provided maps and an overview of the project, in response to questions raised at the May meeting. Project will reduce sediment from roads, and improve baseline condition in this bull trout watershed. Forest received majority of project funding from Regional Office 10% Road Fund. Request to RAC will allow treatment of remaining segments in project area. Lois Van Hoover emphasized desire to use value added contract approach to assure use of local contractors. No further discussion.

Evaluation Relative to Criteria: Composite Score - 37

RAC Decision: A motion to recommend the project to the Forest Supervisor was made by Barry Ross and seconded by Ed Mansfield. Motion carried unanimously. The recommended funding amount is as stated in Form Part 2, $100,000. Project approval and agreement forms will be prepared.

• Public Forum-No visitors had anything to add.

• Future meeting dates and locations were discussed. As discussed at a previous meeting, it was suggested that a meeting be held in another part of the RAC area. Chair Phil Davis suggested the July meeting be held in Cascade at the American Legion Hall. DFO Randy Swick asked if the meeting date could be adjusted from the third Wednesday, as he had a scheduling conflict in July. The RAC agreed to meet in Cascade, at the American Legion Hall, at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 25.

• Andy Brunelle routed a volunteer agreement form around for all RAC members and replacements to sign. It is a tool the WO has made available as a means to address issues of liability and working lunchs while involved in the conduct of official RAC meetings.

• Andy Brunelle also routed around copies of testimony delivered by Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth to Congress regarding process gridlock.

• Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

• Review of Decisions reached at this meeting:
1. Approved RAC expenses to date.
2. Review of Form Part 1 and recommendation to advance project for Form Part 2 review completed for:

#02011 Hwy 21 Mechanical Fuels Reduction

#02012 Public Lands Access Road Maintenance

#02013 North Fork Boise River Road Stabilization

#02015 Burgdorf-French Creek Road Gravelling

#02020 Replace Monumental Summit Road Culverts

#02021 Replace Culverts on Middle Fork Weiser River Road

#02022 Maintain South Fork Salmon River Road

#02033 Burgdorf-French Creek Cutslope Restoration

3. Review of Form Part 1 and recommendation to drop project from further consideration:

#02019 Retaining Wall Yellow Pine to Stibnite Road

4. Review of Form Part 2 and recommend to Forest Supervisor for approval:

#02003 Brownlee Watershed Improvements…..$22,500

#02005 Price Valley Parking Lot…..$25,000

#02010 Middle Fork Payette River Road…..$100,000

#02015 Burgdorf-French Creek Road Gravelling…..$120,000

#02030 Upgrade Adams County Weed Department…..$49,085

#02033 Burgdorf-French Creek Cutslope Restoration…..$68,500