We’re proud to recognize ten young adults from Jackson County for completing an 18-week intensive, hands-on training program in ecological forestry and natural resource management, funded by a grant to Lomakatsi from Oregon Conservation Corps. We’re grateful for their commitment to care for the land, protect our communities, and develop a foundation for a natural resource career.
They have earned the certifications required to work as sawyers in forest restoration, fuels reduction, and wildland firefighting, and accomplished hundreds of acres of vegetation management and post-fire riparian restoration under the mentorship of Lomakatsi’s seasoned restoration workforce, often working side-by-side with the Tribal Ecological Forestry Training Program crew. They also participated in inter-cultural exchanges, controlled burning, and interactions with partner organizations.
At a graduation ceremony last week, participants had the opportunity to provide program feedback, receive proof of their nationally recognized certifications, and reflect on their hard work. Overall, the program was well-received by participants who offered heartfelt words of gratitude and insight to improve the program going forward. Kudos to Fire Operations Manager Sean Voorhes and Squad Boss/Crew Support Harbor Engle for excellent training skills and mentorship!
Executive Director Marko Bey and Tribal Partnerships Program Director Belinda Brown recognized Education & Training Program Coordinator Sequoia Ahimsa, Engine Boss and Crew Leader Antonio Lopez, and Restoration Technician and Crew Leader Rhiannon Ahimsa for their exceptional leadership and dedication throughout this program—from managing daily crew transportation to behind-the-scenes program planning.
For us at Lomakatsi, this program represents a significant achievement for our staff, all the participants, and our communities that are counting on restoration organizations and agencies to make forests more resilient and build workforce capacity. We were one of ten organizations in the state to receive an OCC grant to operate our Tribal Ecological Forestry Training Program since October 2022 with a crew from Chiloquin/Klamath Falls and our Ecological Forestry Training Program for the Rogue Valley crew since January 2023. A big thank you goes out to everyone who worked tirelessly over the past two sessions to make this program a success. We‘re hopeful to see this program return next year!
