FRIENDS OF THE TRINITY COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Youth in Sustainable Forestry Project
Inspiring high school students to consider forestry careers and appreciate sustainable forestry and Indigenous land stewardship.
Why this Project Matters
Weaverville, Trinity County, in California’s remote Klamath Mountains, experienced a sharp decline in the timber industry in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite an abundance of natural resources, the local economy has struggled to recover in the decades since the downturn. In the early 2000s, Weaverville residents established the Weaverville Community Forest, which is on the ancestral territory of Nor-Rel-Muk Wintu Nation. Today, the forest supports a thriving sustainable forestry operation that is one of the county’s largest private employers. However, the continued existence of a local sustainable forestry economy depends on engaging the next generation of natural resource professionals to manage the community forest. A lack of resources to engage youth is a major obstacle to encouraging them to consider forest sector careers. Trinity High School, for example, doesn’t have any environmental science teachers on staff.
How the Project Is Engaging Youth in Sustainable Forestry and Building an Appreciation for Indigenous Land Stewardship
The Friends of the Trinity County Resource Conservation District (TCRCD ) are supporting TCRCD staff and Nor-Rel-Muk Wintu tribal members to work together to select locally tailored curriculum and produce high school field guide workbooks focused on Indigenous land stewardship, sustainable forestry, and related career paths. These workbooks will be part of a year-long fieldtrip program for Trinity High School students. Through this project, a cohort of young people just beginning to establish their career goals and higher education interests will be engaged and inspired. Project resources will empower teachers to address these subjects in their classes for years to come.
SFI’s Contribution
The SFI Community Grant Program is supporting this project. It will help grow meaningful relationships between the TCRCD, Nor-Rel-Muk Wintu tribal members, Trinity High School Teachers and students, the
Trinity County Office of Education, and Sierra Pacific Industries (an SFI-certified company).
How this Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
This project will enhance the relevancy and accessibility of training, education, and green job opportunities within the forest and conservation sectors. A major community goal for the Weaverville Community Forest and other local organizations is to raise awareness about the importance of collaborative stewardship and sustainable forestry for the region’s economy and ecosystems. This project will achieve this goal by using the community forest and surrounding Sierra Pacific Industries lands as an outdoor classroom to teach high school students about higher education and career options related to sustainably managing local forest ecosystems.
Partners
This partnership includes conservationists, educators, Indigenous communities, and SFI‑certified organizations.
- Project lead: Friends of the Trinity County Resource Conservation District
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Trinity County Office of Education
- Nor-Rel-Muk Wintu Nation
- Sierra Pacific Industries (SFI‑certified company)
Related Information
New PLT Curriculum Introduces Youth to Green Careers
Northern California Society for American Foresters—Teachers across California gain valuable forest science knowledge
SFI Promotes Indigenous Rights, Respect and Engagement
Gaining greater understanding and building better relationships with tribes in Minnesota: Incorporating Tribal Values in Minnesota Forest Management—Phase I
Northern California Society of American Foresters—Forestry Institute for Teachers field trips
