Partnerships make all this work attainable. At the beginning, we provide our deep gratitude to the USDA and the U.S. Forest Service for investing on this venture. Safety of Cle Elum Ridge will profit higher Kittitas County for generations to come back by defending wholesome forests that function a wildfire buffer for close by communities, defending the watershed that individuals and agriculture depend upon and providing quite a few leisure alternatives.
We thank the neighborhood members who’ve leaned into this work over the previous 5 years by way of the Checkerboard Partnership Planning Committee. This chance was attainable due to their dedication and deep collaboration in growing a shared, long-term imaginative and prescient for everlasting safety. Their many hours of conferences, letter-writing and strategizing had been instrumental to securing this funding.
We’re additionally deeply grateful for the steadfast help and management of state and federal elected officers who’ve supported the venture and the funding essential to completely defend the Ridge, together with Congresswoman Kim Schrier, Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell, and Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.
Whereas this grant is an thrilling benchmark, there’s nonetheless work to be achieved. TNC is collaborating with native companions to develop a transition plan for the lands. DNR is anticipated to accumulate the land within the subsequent 12 months or two.
For extra protection and details about this thrilling announcement, observe these hyperlinks:
Seattle Instances: WA to accumulate 9,700-acre forest close to Cle Elum because of federal grant
USDA Press Launch: Biden-Harris Administration Companions with States to Preserve 168,000 Acres of Personal Forestlands as a part of Investing in America agenda | USDA
DNR Press Launch: Federal Funding Secured to Defend 9,700 Acres Adjoining to Teanaway Neighborhood Forest
