Betlejewski asked if Small Woodlands would treat the remaining slash and Eggers wondered about the cost of removal. Woodley said it would depend upon the amount left after tree removal. He added that both potential helicopter operators would need to negotiate some of the contract language (e.g. power lines, hours of operation, weather). Woodley said that the contract should be awarded within ten days.

Woodley spoke with Linda Duffy regarding a possible partnership. Although the Forest Service can't participate in this sale because of timing issues, it may work for Winburn. Howard Heiner had said that there is a lot of grant money available, but by using Jackson County as an umbrella improves everyone's chance for grant monies.

Eggers said that some citizens are concerned that the project will fall under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act and will not allow for adequate public comment. Betlejewski anticipated a public process similar to the Lower Watershed.

Betljewski was asked to report on the final marking guidelines for the Barranca Unit. The subcommittee agreed on two separate guidelines: a conservative mark for over-steepened areas and the standard mark for the other units. Only dead trees could be removed from the over-steepened areas and low vigor understory conifers would be cut. The resulting slash would be treated after the trees were removed.

Eggers asked what the post treatment might look like. Betlejewski said there would be an increased retention of pines and reduced numbers of Douglas fir.

Jackson County has a group forming as an umbrella group to coordinate grant and government funding for local restoration and fuels reduction projects. Invitees would include the City of Ashland, the Forest Service and non-profit organizations

Main commented that wildfire hazard wouldn't necessarily be the driving force as in the lower parcel.

Eggers would like to add a section on forest growth rates and clean up certain definitions.

Jensen suggested forming a working group to draft the objectives. Eggers suggested anyone with ideas or comments should write them down and bring them to the next meeting. She asked if there was an assumption that the City will let no fires burn?

Main suggested describing the differences in both city-owned parcels, past and present, and asked if the commission was ready for him to begin drafting the prescriptions. Eggers thought it premature to do the prescriptions without having the objectives in place. The commission agreed. Eggers invited the commission, staff, and any interested parties to draft objectives for the Winburn parcel. Kerwin volunteered to compile everyone's suggestions.

Woodley noted that because fire season will start soon, there isn't an urgency to complete the Winburn proposal. He saw the schedule as similar to last year's process for the Lower Watershed.

(Kerwin/Robertson motioned/seconded to extend the meeting 10 minutes. Motion approved unanimously.)

1) Complete the restoration plan for the Winburn Parcel and gain approval to proceed with on-the-ground work.

2) Move forward with the restoration work in the Lower Watershed.

3) Continue to work with the City Council to formally designate the Ashland Forest Lands Commission as the forum in which an active and ongoing public participation of the citizens of Ashland in watershed issues would take place. This designation would also identify the AFLC as the liaison between the City of Ashland and the US Forest Service.

4) Adopt and seek funding for an aggressive and comprehensive noxious weed (non-native plant species) program on parkland, forestlands and rights of way. A list of problem weeds particularly, scotch broom, star thistle, ivy, is readily available and the AFLC is prepared to offer up sound professional guidance for such a program.

5) Identify specific ways to coordinate work with the USFS in the Ashland Watershed.

6) Make best use of the AFLC budget to maximize training, community outreach/education and staff development.

White seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.