An upcoming workshop slated for Nov. 29-30 at the James and Elsie Nolan Center is set to focus on wood business opportunity, GIS mapping, community collaboration, and a day of training on creating tools the U.S. Forest Service might be able to use to help Wrangell get more out of the forest for jobs.
According to Wrangell resident and community organizer Jeremy Maxand, the meeting is meant to foster a better understanding of economic development available in the borough.
“The workshop is intended to increase community involvement in, and understanding of, opportunities on the Wrangell Ranger District to plan and implement timber sales and restoration projects that create long-term employment, improve ecological conditions, and maintain our quality of life,” Maxand stated in a press release about the event.
According to Maxand, who is helping organize the event, the first day of meetings will be about understanding the Tongass Transition Framework – and the role of community collaboration on the Tongass National Forest – and will include a group discussion on what such a collaborative effort will look like in Wrangell.
“This is not just a lecture, but will be an interactive format for the community,” Maxand added. “It will provide perspective and allow for input,” Maxand said.
Former Forest Service contracting officer Marianne Klingler will be the main speaker during the second day of the event.
“Marianne will provide help in how the contracting opportunities through the Forest Service for timber and restoration projects that will bring the greatest economic opportunity to the community,” Maxand said. “We’ll be looking at Wrangell Island as a specific example. We want this project to provide the longest and greatest benefit to the borough.”
Klingler, who now specializes in working independently with communities across the Northwest through her organization, MK Square, has experience awarding numerous Forest Service Integrated Resource Service Contracts and has assisted Timber Contracting Officers in development, award, and administration of Integrated Resource Timber Contracts.
Klingler, who resides in Baker City, Ore., said the community has options – and she intends to present them during her visit.
“I’m going to talk about the forest stewardship act and review what authorities it has given us compared to what we’ve been able to do in the past,” Klingler said. “I’ll also talk a little bit about the framework and about our options. We can do stewardship agreements, regular service contracts, or the integrated resource service or timber contracts.”
The meeting runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day and is open to the public.
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