SNW Collaborative Leadership Training

SNW's Public Forestland Team provided Collaborative Leadership Training to 35 new US Forest Service (USFS) District Rangers from across the United States at the historic Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. The interactive training provided tools and resources for Rangers to work effectively with collaborative groups located on their new Districts. Collaboratives are groups of local stakeholders who take an active interest in how the USFS plans and manages national forestlands. Through the process of engaging with collaboratives, the Forest Service can often better meet the objectives of multiple-use and the many values of the community during the design of forest health projects.

The training was developed by SNW staff specifically for USFS employees and draws on the team’s years of experience in problem-solving during forest restoration and management planning with the USFS and collaboratives. The training focuses on and illustrates the skills and tools necessary to make collaboration successful and how to problem-solve when challenges arise. Other guest speakers during the week presented on National Environmental Planning Act (NEPA) development, Tribal relations, working with elected officials, fire and fuels, and external conflict management. 

The Work Environment & Performance Office from the USFS Washington Office heard of our success across Oregon and Washington and asked SNW to provide this training as part of the Line Officer Academy which aims to provide new Rangers with a broad set of skills to help them succeed across various disciplines.

Stay tuned for more information about SNW’s work with the next Line Officer Academy, scheduled for October 2022.

Public Forestlands Team

Pete Teigen, Public Forestlands Manager

Sally Bernstein, Public Forestlands Program Manager

To learn more visit our Public Forestlands page.