National Forest Foundation and U.S. Forest Service Finalize 20-Year Master Stewardship Agreement

July 27, 2021

To Achieve Forest Management Goals for Tahoe National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Missoula, MT (July 27, 2021)– The National Forest Foundation (NFF), a congressionally-chartered nonprofit, finalized a 20-year Master Stewardship Agreement (MSA) with the U.S. Forest Service, Tahoe National Forest (TNF), and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU).

This is the first 20-year MSA between the NFF and the Forest Service, and it represents a mutual commitment to the long-term health of the forests and communities within the Lake Tahoe area. The length of this agreement enables the NFF to increase both the scale and pace of projects in the Tahoe area, allowing extended agreements with local contractors, vendors and buyers. The MSA will also provide more stability and consistency of restoration efforts and wood supply through the next 20 years. The work that will be accomplished in the Lake Tahoe area is vital to the health of the watershed and ecosystem that provide important social and economic resources to the community like water, timber, as well as recreational and agricultural opportunities.

“Over the past five years, the NFF has invested heavily in restoration, conservation, and recreation projects throughout the Tahoe area,” said Marcus Selig, Vice President of Field Programs at the NFF. “This MSA allows us the flexibility to think bigger, take on extended projects, and strengthen our relationships with local vendors and contractors. We look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the community and the health of the forests in the area.”

The NFF will begin its 20-year agreement by providing support and leadership for two key projects in the Tahoe area that are now ready for implementation; the Trapper Project, a large-scale forest restoration project that will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire andimprove ecosystem health of the North Yuba River Watershed. And the Michigan Bluff Project, which will thin hazardous fuels adjacent to small communities in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and adjacent to the TNF, improving forest health and resiliency on a long-term scale.

“This partnership between the NFF and the U.S.Forest Service in the Tahoe area has grown into a national model for success,” said Randy Moore, Pacific Southwest Regional Forester. “This builds upon the Forest Service’s commitment to Shared Stewardship and working with partners to get more good work done across the landscape.”

To learn more about the NFF’s work within the TNF and LTBMU, please visit NationalForests.org.

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 Media Contact: Erin Wyer | Erin@outsidepr.com| 612.747.1314

About the National Forest Foundation

The National Forest Foundation works on behalf of the American public to inspire personal and meaningful connections to our National Forests. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF leads forest conservation efforts and promotes responsible recreation. Each year the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitat, facilitates common ground, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease, and improves recreational opportunities. The NFF believes our National Forests and all they offer are an American treasure and are vital to the health of our communities. Learn more at nationalforests.org.