Rep. Huffman Praises New Funding for Trinity Collaborative’s Forest Project

February 23, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded the Trinity County Collaborative nearly $550,000 for projects to improve forest health, reduce the threat of wildfires and support Trinity County’s rural economy.

The funds come through a highly competitive Joint Chiefs grant program offered by the U.S. Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The money offers a significant boost towards the exemplary work of the Trinity Collaborative, whose diverse membership uses a consensus-based approach to forest project planning.

“The Trinity Collaborative has accomplished unique and remarkable work in the past three years towards increasing forestry, protecting the environment, and improving job prospects,” Rep. Huffman said. “These much-needed funds will help get critical work done for our national forests, which face serious forest health and forest fire risks due to past management. I am proud to have always supported the Collaborative’s efforts to work together to find realistic solutions, instead of getting mired in lawsuits. I look forward to working with them in the future on our shared cause.”

The project will help with community wildfire protection and restoration of ecological  processes. It will establish a system of shaded fuel breaks and treatments aimed at reducing the severity of forest fires while protecting sensitive habitats and fish and wildlife.

“It’s extremely gratifying to see this recognition of the agreements that our community has come together on over the last several years,” said Trinity County Supervisor Judy Morris. “We know there is still hard work ahead and it feels great to have these new resources in hand to kick start that process and accomplish some much-needed work in our forests.”

“The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is very excited that the Trinity County Community Protection Project was selected as a Joint Chief’s Landscape project,” said Shasta-Trinity National Forest Supervisor Dave Myers. “The Trinity Collaborative represents multiple interests yet they came together with one strong voice and that is to pick up the speed of ecological restoration on the National Forest in Trinity County.  The funding that comes with the Joint Chief’s project will allow us to take one giant step forward in doing so.”

"The Six Rivers National Forest appreciates the efforts the Trinity County Collaborative (TCC) has provided in building working relationships,” said Six Rivers Supervisor Merv George.  “Balancing economics, ecological restoration needs, and community safety is always a tall order. I look forward to our continued working relationship with the TCC and toward the on-the-ground treatments that will get accomplished through this process."

“By taking an all-lands, all-hands approach, Forest Service, NRCS, and countless partners are demonstrating that smart, proactive investments to restore forests yield extraordinary benefits for landowners, communities and taxpayers,” said USDA Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie.

“NRCS is thrilled to be part of such a dynamic, community based effort”, said NRCS State Conservationist Carlos Suarez.  "It is very rewarding to see the hard work and perseverance of the Trinity Collaborative pay off and we are very pleased to be able to contribute to such an important project.”

 

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