Job training partnership with U.S. Forest Service enters third year

Published August 1, 2024

We’re so pleased to continue the High Cascades Job Training Education & Resource Protection Program in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest! From May through October, Lomakatsi multicultural crew members are supporting vegetation management and other activities at 8 campgrounds and day use areas from Prospect to Fish Lake and the Butte Springs area. The program integrates training opportunities and engagement with the awesome staff of the High Cascades Ranger District to promote natural resource job skills.

Last week, the crew worked on the Pine Protection Project with Forest Service Fire Ecologist Lindsey Negherbon, protecting sugar pine and legacy Douglas-fir by raking and piling understory fuels in preparation for controlled pile burning and future understory prescribed fire. This week they’re supporting bumble bee surveys in the Willow Prairie area. Other activities they’ll be training in and contributing to throughout the program include conducting forestry stand exams and wildlife surveys in preparation for future ecological restoration projects, and using chainsaws to maintain trails and recreation areas, while reducing wildfire risk.

We are grateful to the crew members for all their hard work, and to our partners at the U.S. Forest Service for supporting this win-win program that supports tribal jobs and builds skills while helping to improve and maintain some of the treasured public recreation sites in the area!