Overview

Economic decline, catastrophic wildfires, and deteriorating forest health conditions have
combined to create a climate of frustration in both public and private sectors. Framing Our
Community (FOC) is convinced that there is a critical need for more creative and collaborative
approaches to the challenge of fire protection, forest restoration and economic development. We
believe that there is a ‘way’ to integrate the ecological needs of our surrounding forests and
rivers with the economic needs of the people who live here plus accommodate the needs of the
broader communities that enjoy itsrecreational benefits. FOC believes that an “integrated
program” is necessary for a “Healthy Forestand Healthy Community.” An integrated program
that recognizes and addresses the need for both conservation and restoration of the forests; while
maximizing the value of all of the materials removed for economic development and
sustainability. Developing a ‘model’ that believes collaboration is essential and far more
effective than an adversarial climate. This method focuses on the development and usage of
better management practices and technologies, and strengthens the capacity of the community.

Being good stewards of the forest strengthens the ties to the land and improves the natural
resources our community depends on, utilizes rural life skills and experiences, and promotes best
use – best value of those resources that ultimately provide food, clothing, shelter and the social
fiber ofour rural communities. In life everything is interconnected and prosperity depends on the
health of each component; from the natural resources that supply our raw materials, to
maximizing their value in the manufacture of products, to the identification and building of
markets, and ultimately to the strengthening and giving back to the community at large.