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Jobs for the Environment |
Recent declines in fish and wildlife populations have resulted in the displacement of forest products workers and fishers from their traditional jobs. Rural communities are faced with high unemployment rates and workers with little opportunity for new careers. At the same time, it is recognized that fish and wildlife populations continue to be at risk, in part, due to degraded habitat. To slow the decline of fish and wildlife populations and avoid additional displacement of natural resource workers, degraded habitat needs to be restored. Watershed restoration is an opportunity for reemployment of forest products workers and fishers. It is an opportunity to have a positive impact on the future.
The federal government and the State of Washington are both administering programs to hire displaced forest products workers and workers from timber dependent communities in watershed restoration and other forestry related activities. To avoid duplication, improve coordination, make the application process user friendly, and provide longer-term employment, a portion of the federal Jobs in the Woods funding is being disbursed through the state Jobs for the Environment Program. State funds are also used to employ fishers displaced from their traditional salmon fishing jobs.
Through this partnership, the Jobs for the Environment program:
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers the program in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Environmental Enhancement and Jobs Creation Task Force. The Task Force is composed of state and federal agencies, tribes, labor and other interested stakeholders. It advises DNR and WDFW on program development and implementation.
Grants for fish and wildlife habitat restoration projects are awarded through a competitive grant process. Project proposals are ranked for biological and social benefits. Projects may be sponsored by state agencies, tribes, local governments, or non-profit organizations and create employment for displaced natural resource workers. Projects that demonstrate partnerships between local watershed stakeholders are encouraged.
For more information on the program, contact Leni Oman, 360-902-2592, at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Program, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA, 98501-1091, or Bob Brandow, 360-902-1039 at the Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 47045, Olympia, WA 98504.