The Priest Community Forest Connection recognizes and implements community-based solutions to interdependent social, ecological and economic issues. The PCFC has three action goals: (1) to promote community education and collaborative processes concerning local forest issues; (2) to ensure forest and ecosystem health through private and agency based forest restoration opportunities; (3) to help provide for a sustainable forest resource-based economy within the local region.

The PCFC Board of Directors managed the Lakeface-Lamb Forest Stewardship Project which took place on the southwest corner of beautiful Priest Lake in northern Idaho. The result of this nationally acclaimed forest fuels reduction and restoration project is a safer and healthier ecological condition for the Priest Lake forest. In addition, the project generated over 3 million dollars of income, most of which has been turned back into the local economy through contracted services. This project was and continues to be the backbone of funding for PCFC. Through grant funding from the National Forest Foundation, PCFC was able to start up with an office and their 501 (c) 3 status. Some education programs are also funded through grants, but the day-to-day activities are funded through careful management of the account created by the original stewardship project.

The Priest Community Forest Connection will provide services through our educational efforts, effective resource-based research and implementation, and a consistent communication outreach program. PCFC's programs aim at:

• Forest management and restoration education and action.
• Being a resource center for local contractors, workers, and agency personnel who want to be involved in responsible stewardship of our ecosystem which will benefit our environment, our safety and our economic health.
• Being a consulting service for other communities, agency personnel, private landowners and contractors interested in forest stewardship practices.

Click to learn more about the Lakeface-Lamb Forest Stewardship Project

WHY ARE COOPERATIVE VENTURES IN OUR FORESTS IMPORTANT?

Better Employment and Economic Prospects - There are many rural communities in the western United States that are intricately attached to the forestlands that surround their homes. These forests have health issues that may affect the safety of lives, homes and businesses through the threat of catastrophic wildfires.

There are many employment opportunities that may be formed through forest health needs. There are definitely empowerment opportunities for both local citizens and agency folks: the setting of goals and most importantly the achieving of those goals. True collaboration is both communication (to bring about solutions to particular issues) and action (to bring those solutions to fruition.)

Partnerships - Most of us know that federal government agencies are packed to the rafters with knowledge and management techniques, some of which baffles the lay person. With all of the 'ologists' that fortify the federal agencies, it's us non-agency folks who can be extremely valuable in getting things done on the ground in an efficient and economically sound manner. This is where partnerships can become very valuable.

With "real world" expertise, a logical business sense and the ability to achieve specific activities within a decent budget and time frame, much can be achieved. By working together and dropping the ridiculous bureaucratic constraints that can plague many federal contracts success will come ~ to both the agencies and the communities.

Educating Our Young People

Part of this desire to improve the knowledge about our forests, is the ongoing education programs that PCFC is putting together for the local schools (elementary and high schools). We hope to instill responsible, well-informed practices in our youth through these programs so that the future of our forests, wildlife and waterways are in good hands. (See our Community Programs Page.)