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May 9, 2011
Spring Events: Contractor Workshop,
A Tribute to Bud Moore and SVBR's Bear Wake Up Social
Logging Contractor Workshop
by Mo Bookwalter
Northwest Connections partnered with several watershed groups, the USFS and the Montana Logging Association to host another contractor workshop in Seeley Lake on April 19th. This workshop was aimed at new employment opportunities on Forest Service lands as a result of the Southwestern Crown Project funded under the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP).
This new forest restoration program, which encompasses portions of the Lolo, Helena and Flathead National Forests has the promise of both stewarding the land as well as creating needed local jobs. Projects on the horizon include noxious weed removal, improving degraded trails and roads, and helping reduce fuel loads in the forests.
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We had a great turnout – with over 70 participants at the first day and 40 plus participants in day 2 which focused specifically on Forest Service contracting tips to assist our local contractors in winning the bids. Although, we felt this was a great turnout, one of the contractors made the point that just a few years ago the workshop would have been standing room only. But due to the downturn in the timber market, and other economic factors, a lot of our skilled contractors have been forced to find work elsewhere. They have either had to leave temporarily to find work in other states or have had to pick up and move altogether. He said "the time to talk is quit, the time to get something done is now or the rest of us won’t be here next time". That statement, to me, exemplifies the reason we all need to work together now to ensure good work gets done on the ground and that our local workforce, who knows the landscape best, are first in line to win the bids.
Northwest Connections is dedicated to making sure good conservation outcomes occur in our region. We are equally as dedicated to ensuring that the local community not only benefits from conservation outcomes, but that the land benefits from the knowledge and skills of our local workforce.
Also visit KECI-TV, NBC Missoula for a 1:20 segment by Kevin Maki.
A Tribute to Bud Moore
by Mo Bookwalter
I had the opportunity to attend Annual Forestry Days here in Missoula on April 30th where they planted a beautiful larch tree in memory of our dear friend and mentor Bud Moore. A small group of us gathered to watch the planting and share memories of Bud. Chills ran down my spine and tears filled my eyes as they announced Bud’s name over the loud speaker to the hundreds of folks participating in this yearly event. This larch tree, planted here in Missoula on Forestry Days, will be a lasting symbol of his contributions to forestry professionals --- new and old.
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 - Photos by Marnie Criley - |
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Swan Valley Bear Resources'
Spring Bear Wake Up Social
Swan Valley Bear Resources held their 4th Annual Spring Bear Wake Up Social on April 21st at the Swan Valley Community Hall. Keynote speakers included Tim Manley, Grizzly Bear Management Specialist, MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Seth Wilson, Wildlife Committee Coordinator for the Blackfoot Challenge. Over 100 people attended to learn about the most up-to-date information on bears in the Swan!
 It was standing room only at this year's Spring Bear Wake Up Social! |
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