Project selection for funding will be based on four major criteria: 1) Land Health, 2) Coordination, 3) Fiscal Issues, and 4) Community Concerns. A variety of other selection criteria will also be considered. The process for selecting a project is based on the following prioritized criteria.

Priority 1. Land Health Issues.

The project must meet one or more of the following land health criteria:

• It addresses a land health concern identified in the Uncompahgre Plateau Landscape Assessment Report.
• It addresses a land health concern identified by the USFS, BLM, or CDOW in a management plan or report.
• It addresses a priority land health concern identified by the local community.
• It benefits threatened, endangered or sensitive species.
• It addresses an emergency land health need (i.e., rehabilitation after fire, flood, drought, blow downs, disease, or insects).
• It addresses a health or public safety issue related to land health (i.e., imminent fire risk, poor water quality).
• It helps achieve the overall ecosystem goals of UP.

Priority 2. Coordination Issues.

The project should accomplish one or more of the following coordination criteria:

• It must comply with all existing laws, regulations, and agency management plans.
• It achieves multiple agency and community objectives.
• It provides leverage for additional funding.
• It is based on sufficient data to make informed decisions and have a high probability of success.
• It addresses concerns identified through community collaboration and by geographic focus groups.
• It involves cooperative working partners.
• It incorporates post-treatment management that helps ensure long-term success.
• It integrates well with other ecosystem restoration efforts.

Priority 3. Fiscal Issues.

The project should meet one or more of each of the following fiscal criteria:

• It is cost effective and will use best value contracting.
• The goal of the project is achievable given the requested funding and the anticipated completion date.
• There is opportunity for additional funding from outside sources.
• Cost share requirements are met.

Priority 4. Community Issues.

The project should meet one or more of the following community criteria:

• It has strong support from the local community.
• Any potential negative impacts to land users, landowners, or businesses are minimal or can be mitigated.
• The potential beneficial effects to the community outweigh potential adverse effects.
• It provides opportunity or incentives for community involvement.
• It results in a flow of sustainable, marketable forest products
• It utilizes local work force and benefits local owner/operators
• The direct economic benefits to the community outweigh any negative economic impacts.

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