NEWS RELEASE

USDA Forest Service

Pacific Southwest Region

1323 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592

Forest Service shield, which is the agency logo that links to the Regional News site.

Contact: Public Affairs, 707-562-9004

Forest Service Launches Collaborative “Trees and Trails” Approach

Trees & Trails: U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region.

VALLEJO, Calif., Dec. 12, 2008—On December 3, 2008, 15 forest recreation and conservation partners, forest staff officers and Pacific Southwest Region staff gathered to launch a new, unified approach entitled: “Trees and Trails.” The organizing theme will provide focus and energy to connect people with nature, provide green jobs for young adults through hosted programs, improve trails, restore ecosystems and provide meaningful volunteer experiences on the National Forests of California.

By joining forces, conservation partners and the Forest Service have a better chance of competing for grants and leveraging resources. Partners and Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region staff will share goals and individual strengths that will make the “Trees and Trails” effort successful.

At the December 3 launch, the group drafted a list of action items which include: Forming a Volunteer Training Academy; crafting an Economic Stimulus Package proposal — the nucleus for long term partnerships through green jobs; hosting a tour of the San Bernardino National Forest Association “Behind the Scenes;” creating a Unified Recreation Stakeholders Roundtable; leveraging resources across the state for travel management Implementation; and initiating additional urban-based outdoor opportunities for youth and more.

“Trees and Trails is a more unified approach that allows for collaborative agreement,” said Marlene Finley, Pacific Southwest Region's Director of Recreation, Lands, Wilderness and Heritage Resources.

The group 's meeting will grow the circle of interest, attracting additional partners around this approach. Follow-up calls are planned and ; milestones have been set with a list of expected short term and long-term results. For more information on how you can get involved, contact Marlene Finley at (707) 562-8856 or by e-mail at mfinley01@fs.fed.us. For more general information, please contact Regional Media Officer, John Heil at (707) 562-9004.

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