Mechanisms for Community Stewardship of Natural Resources

How can wildfire risk reduction and watershed restoration strengthen both ecosystems and communities? This report documents a January 2001 workshop in Lakewood, Colorado, organized by the Pinchot Institute in partnership with the USDA Forest Service. Discussions explored community participation in the National Fire Plan and watershed restoration, with attention to stewardship contracting, local business development, workforce needs, and coordination among agencies and partners. The report offers a historical perspective on connecting ecological goals with community livelihoods and identifies practical steps toward more collaborative natural resource stewardship.