Instructions and Form for Collecting and Submitting GPS/GIS Data for

Fuel Modification ProjectsFunded by the California Fire Safe Council

Starting with the 13USFS-SFA, SFAX, and 12 BLM grant cycles, CFSC grantees with fuel modification projects will be required to submit GIS (Geographic Information System) data on the perimeters of their project treated areas. This information will be used by CAL FIRE in their pre-fire planning activities so they can take maximum advantage of the work performed to minimize the damage from a wildfire occurring in the project area. The following are the instructions for collecting and transmitting this data.

  1. Granteeswhose project involved wildland fuel modification will collect GPS (Global Positioning System) data with a handheld data logger. These can be purchased with grant funds. The data can also be collected by a contracted forester or fuel modification contractor.
  2. The instructions provided with the data logger will explain how to use it.
  3. The feature type should be set to “Polygon” (no “Line” data please.)
  4. The “Datum” setting on the GPS unit should be set to “NAD83”.
  5. The Projection setting on the GPS unit should be “U.S. State Plane California Zone II – Feet”
  6. The “Distance” should be set to 0.01 miles. This enables the unit to collect a data point approximately every 52.8 feet.
  7. GPS perimeter data will be collected for all treated areas. In most cases this will involve someone walking the perimeter of the treated areas while the GPS unit automatically collects the data. Where roads are used as the project boundary the data can be collected while riding in a vehicle.
  8. The grantee must then convert the GPS data to a GIS (Geographic Information System) “shapefile” that can be used to create computer-generated maps of the treated areas. Some GPS units can do this with their internal software. Garmin offers a free “DNR Garmin” program that can be downloaded from the Internet for use with Garmin GPS receivers to do the file conversion.Other manufacturers offer similar file conversion software.
  9. The GIS shape files can then be downloaded to a computer and copied on to a CD that they will submit with the Grant Closeout Report. Grantees should contact the CAL FIRE Pre Fire Engineer (PFE) at this point to determine if they want to confirm the final project boundaries and acreage. The PFE can also provide assistance in converting the GPS data to a GIS shapefile. A copy of the shapefile can also be emailed to the PFE.
  10. Grantees must also complete a “Grant Project GIS Data Collection Form” provided by the CFSC. Information requested on the form includes:
  11. Grantee Organization Name (Executing Agency)
  12. CFSC Grant Number
  13. Project Name
  14. FinalTreated Acres
  15. Treatment Start and End Dates
  16. Funding Agency: California Fire Safe Council
  17. Acres Treated By Method
  1. Grantees will then submit two copies of the shapefile data and the Grant Project GIS Data Collection Form on a CD to the CFSC, along with their Grant Closeout Report. They may also provide copies of both to their localCAL FIRE Pre Fire Engineer at that time.

Upon receipt of the shapefile CD and the GIS Data Collection Form the CFSC will forward it to Cal Fire for their use in updating their statewide fuels treatment maps and database.

Grantees are encouragedto contact their local CAL FIRE Pre Fire Engineer or Vegetation Management Program Forester when they start planning their project, BEFORE even submitting their grant application. This is because the California Fire Safe Council wants Cal Fire to be made aware of grant-funded fuel modification projects in their jurisdiction. However, if this did not occur, grantees are encouraged to contact the Pre Fire Engineer or Vegetation Management Program Forester when the project is funded. They can provide valuable assistance to grantees with collecting the GIS data, explaining how it can be used to create an accurate map of the treated areas, and how Cal Fire uses it in pre-fire planning.

(Data Submission Form on next page)

Record of GPS/GIS Data Submitted for

California Fire Safe Council

Grant-Funded Fuel Modification Projects

Grantee Organization (Project Executing Agency):
CFSC Grant Number:
Project Name:
Final Treated Acres*:
Treatment Start/End Dates: / Start: End:
Funding Agency: / California Fire Safe Council

* Acres within final boundary regardless of treatment method

Fuels Treatment Method / Acres Treated**
Biomass removal
Chipping
Crushing
Hand piling
Machine piling
Seeding
Lop and scatter
Mastication/Mowing
Thinning
Broadcast burning
Hand pile burning
Machine pile burning
Chemical
Biological
Browsing

** The total of acres treated by all methods
may exceed Final Treated Acres

- 1-California Fire Safe Council

Jan. 28, 2013, D. Lang