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Regular Agenda Item 3. B.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	01/21/2020
Submitted For:	Steve Sanders	Submitted By:	Steve Sanders, Director
Department:	Public Works	Division:	Administration

Information

Request/Subject

To enter into a Cooperative Forest Road Agreement between Gila County and the United States Department of Agriculture, (USDA), Forest Service, Tonto National Forest (TNF).

Background Information

The existing Forest Road Agreement between TNF and Gila County expired on September 30, 2019. TNF and the County have been working on a new agreement since last summer with the understanding that a new agreement wouldn’t be in place by Sept. 30, 2019. Adding roads to the agreement and possibly eliminating some roads were being discussed, along with the level of service on some roads. It was determined that changes shouldn’t occur until the TNF Travel Management Plan was in place. The County and TNF had agreed to continue maintenance under the expired agreement until a new agreement could be executed. TNF recently contacted the County to inform us that new changes have occurred with the Forest Service that has shortened acquisition deadlines and new agreements must be in place by January 31, 2020.

Based on the new deadlines, the County and TNF are recommending approving the new agreement with the understanding that the future modifications to the roads listed in Schedule A may be modified to add and/or remove roads at any time.

Evaluation

Approving the Cooperative Forest Road Agreement between Gila County and the TNF will allow the County to continue to maintain those TNF roads shown on the agreement.

Conclusion

In order to meet the Forest Service Deadline of January 31, 2020, signing the agreement now while still being able to add and/or remove roads after the agreement is signed is beneficial to both parties.

Recommendation

The Public Works Department Director recommends entering into a Cooperative Forest Road Agreement between Gila County and the USDA, Forest Service, TNF.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to enter into a Cooperative Forest Road Agreement (FS Agreement No. 20-RO-11031200-003) between Gila County and the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Tonto National Forest and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the agreement. (Steve Sanders)

Attachments
Cooperative Forest Road Agreement
Email from TNF
2014-2019 Agreement