REDUCING WILDFIRE RISK WHILE PRESERVING LOCAL ECONOMIES

Forest management and restoration practices are set in place to ensure that our national forests are managed in an ecologically sustainable manner. With expanded use of our forests, continuously growing populations and a more prosperous society, human influences on forests have increased. This presents a significant challenge to provide forest resources and experiences while also sustaining ecological integrity. It is our goal to always work together to provide restoration and protection, improve timber development and reduce wildfire risk.

REDUCING WILDFIRE RISK

In most cases, our forests are in a healthy, functioning condition due to active management and environmental protection measures. However, overgrown areas in our forests can pose a risk to these ecosystems by stunting tree growth and increasing the risk of fires. To reduce this potential risk and encourage prosperous growth, NEWFC works directly with conservationists and timber companies to ensure proper management of overgrown vegetation.

Together, we work to thin and remove certain overgrown areas in a forest to help reduce tree density and tree-to-tree competition. This encourages increased growth of fewer, higher quality trees and allows more room and light for stronger trees to continue growing. Stronger trees and less undergrowth in turn reduces the risk of wildfires while protecting wildlife, insects, habitats and surrounding communities.

BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES

Healthy forest management practices cannot be implemented by only a handful of people. It takes hundreds and thousands of people everyday to maintain our forests. These different people come from many industries and continue to aid local economies. Scientists study and monitor forest systems while conservation and logging workers cultivate and harvest trees for wood and paper products. Fire protection and prevention workers help to manage forest fires while recreation companies ensure forests aren’t being damaged and mistreated by various recreational activities. Each of these groups is important and vital in maintaining a healthy forest, ensuring that its forest resources are being used effectively and that surrounding communities have a healthy and thriving economy.

ENSURING LASTING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Without proper management of our beautiful Northeast Washington’s forests, popular recreational activities could very well cease to exist. With over one million acres, the Colville National Forest can provide enjoyment, relaxation, and exploration while improving your overall quality of life.

You can experience the solitude of hiking in the wilderness on hundreds of miles of trails, enjoy camping in one of the many developed campgrounds, or experience the solitude of camping in the backcountry. The forest is also a prime location for plenty of great fishing, hunting, horseback riding, mountain biking, climbing, off road vehicles, and winter activities such as cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowmobiling. Recreation is an important part of our everyday lives and we are all responsible in helping our forests thrive.

SUPPORTING OUR WILDLANDS

The cornerstone of NEWFC’s success is indelible support for permanent protection of wildlands on the CNF. That support continues and NEWFC is currently igniting efforts to make permanent protection of significant wild landscapes a reality.