Fire Protection Assessment, ArcGIS Solution, for Montana DNRC

Overview

Built for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) partnered with GCS to develop a tailored Fire Protection Assessment (FPA) business solution, along with a comprehensive maintenance plan. GCS created an intuitive, geospatial web application that tracks all non-federally owned properties within the DNRC Wildland Fire Protection Districts, affidavit units, and any additional land parcels that the DNRC may assess in the future.

Key Objectives of the FPA Software Solution

1. Custom Query and Reporting
   The solution enables authorized users to perform both standard and ad-hoc queries, as well as generate reports efficiently.
2. Robust Data Management
   Leveraging powerful SQL/RDBMS technologies, the solution ensures secure and efficient data management.
3. Data Integrity and Security
   GCS implemented measures to guarantee data integrity, ensuring that all FPA-related information remains accurate and secure.
4. Seamless Integration with Revenue Databases
   The system optimizes the data flow from the Montana Department of Revenue’s database to the Fire Protection Assessment Program and the individual assessing counties.
5. Comprehensive Audit Trails
   The FPA system maintains detailed audit trails for parcel updates, ensuring compliance with State mandates regarding data archiving.
6. Spatial Integration
   The application is fully spatially integrated, offering an enhanced geospatial experience for managing and assessing properties within DNRC protection districts.

To deliver a tailored Fire Protection Assessment (FPA) business solution and maintenance plan for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), GCS developed several integrated modules. These modules work together to meet DNRC’s specific requirements, ensuring a seamless and efficient solution:

1. Main Browser-Based Informational Application Module
   A user-friendly, web-based interface providing easy access to critical information.
2. Data Importing Module
   Enables efficient data import from external sources, including the Department of Revenue’s database.
3. Data Comparison Module
   Facilitates data validation by comparing new data with existing records, ensuring accuracy.
4. Geographical Information System (GIS) Module
   Incorporates geospatial data to track properties and assess land parcels within the DNRC’s Wildland Fire Protection Districts.
5. Implementation, Enhancements, and Maintenance Module
   Oversees system deployment, ongoing improvements, and maintenance to ensure the solution’s long-term performance and alignment with DNRC goals.

GCS designed a streamlined home landing page for the Fire Protection Assessment (FPA) tool, providing an overview of the tool’s features and purpose for unauthenticated users. The page includes embedded links, offering quick access to the FPA tool and other resources. Once users authenticate, they gain full access to the system, including:

Tools for managing and assessing property data

Comprehensive navigation menus

Advanced features tailored for authorized users

GCS developed powerful search, filter, and drill-down capabilities for the Fire Protection Assessment (FPA) tool, allowing users to easily find and access detailed parcel information. The parcel details page includes historical data from previous years, accessible via a user-friendly drop-down menu. Key functionalities include:

1. Data Reconciliation
   Compare and reconcile discrepancies between current FPA data and newly received data from the Department of Revenue.
2. County Certification
   Certify counties as complete for the current tax year, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
3. Forecasting Tools
   Accurately forecast base rates and per-acreage charges for future assessments.
4. Tax Assessment and Reporting
   Assess tax amounts and generate extracts for each county, streamlining the tax reporting process.
5. Customizable Reporting System
   GCS implemented a robust reporting structure, offering both customizable and out-of-the-box reports to meet user needs.

About Montana DNRC

The Forestry and Trust Lands Division plays a pivotal role in managing the delicate balance between forestry and fire management across the state of Montana. Our division oversees the planning and execution of critical forestry and fire management programs through a statewide network of field and unit offices. Key functions include:

1. Fire Protection Services
   Providing comprehensive fire protection to safeguard Montana’s forests and communities.
2. Forestry Assistance Programs
   Offering expert guidance and support to landowners and stakeholders in sustainable forest management.
3. Good Neighbor Authority Implementation
   Partnering with federal agencies to enhance forest restoration and management efforts.
4. Montana Forest Action Plan Execution
   Leading the strategic implementation of the Montana Forest Action Plan to address forest health and wildfire risks.
5. Business Management and Policy Planning
   Managing resources and developing policies to ensure effective forest and fire management practices.
6. Community Outreach and Education
   Promoting forestry awareness and engagement through strategic outreach initiatives.