Mission & Goals Stewardship Partnerships University of Idaho Wilderness Lecture 18 February 2014 Mission 2 1
Who We Are: 501(c)3 non-profit wilderness stewardship organization Non-political non-advocacy wilderness and wildlands stewardship org. Focus in putting boots on the ground to accomplish trails and wilderness stewardship work Offices in Boise, Grangeville, and Missoula Accomplish work through both full-time professionals, interns, volunteers, contractors and other partners. Support from broad spectrum of citizens. LOCAL! 3 Who We Aren t (i.e. what we don t do): Wolves Chainsaws New wilderness Dams Litigation Get involved in Forest Service management plans Mega-loads Political support for anyone Attempt to influence Forest Service management decisions 4 2
History of the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation Formed in 2005 with support and urging of Forest Service. Organization primarily run by volunteer Board of Directors from 2005 through 2008. Hired first executive director in December of 2008. Have expanded our stewardship programs every year. Non-political approach stewardship based 5 History of the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation Signed agreement with Forest Service in February 2011 to assist in stewardship efforts in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, work began in 2012. From 2009 through 2013 worked with volunteers to generate $1,744,492 worth of wilderness labor. We also raised $1,138,495 in cash during those years. Our total contribution has been $2,882,987 to the Selway and the Frank since 2009, more than any wilderness partner in the nation. 6 3
Goals Promote stewardship of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and surrounding wildlands. Build citizen and community support for wilderness and wildland programs and projects. Create opportunities for volunteer participation in wilderness and wildland programs and projects. Foster awareness of wilderness and wildlands values and promote understanding of wilderness and wildland ethics, history and ecology. Mentor future leaders in the field of wilderness and wildlands leadership. Form long-term relationships with individuals, communities, tribes, organizations, businesses, universities and other agencies to achieve these goals. 7 Stewardship Partners Work with variety of partners to get work done: U.S. Forest Service Backcountry Horseman Chapters Squaw Butte Treasure Valley North Central Idaho Bitterroot Missoula Aldo Leopould Wilderness Research Institute Arthur Carhartt Center for Wilderness Training National Smokejumper Association Montana Wilderness Association Idaho Trails Association Wilderness Volunteers University of Idaho Service Learning Extension Sierra Club Washington State University University of Montana Middle Fork Guides Association Idaho Outfitter and Guide Association 8 4
Partnership with Forest Service We exist to supplement the FS ability to accomplish wilderness stewardship objectives, to do so in without any political agenda, and to fund this work entirely through private fundraising efforts. In essence, we hope to be a privately-funded arm of the FS wilderness stewardship program. Work under two authorities: Challenge Cost Share Agreement Includes: Office space, radios, FS computer access, seed money Sponsored Volunteer Agreement Plan projects directly with FS wilderness/rec staff Project planning starts anywhere from 1+ years in advance to only days in advance Undertake no projects without request or consent of FS SBF provides all leadership and logistical support for projects, unless planning specifically identified need for FS logistical support Train in partnership with FS and require all appropriate FS certifications for our staff and volunteers 9 Project Types Trail Opening and Level 1 Maintenance Trail Reconstruction and Heavy Maintenance Wilderness Facility Maintenance Pack Support 10 5
Project Types Invasive Weed Inventory and Treatment (Mechanical, Chemical and Biological) Backcountry and Wilderness Cabin Hosting Campsite Inventory and Restoration Sign Inventory and Installation 11 Project Types Wilderness Trash Collection and Removal Major Site Restoration 12 6
Sample Accomplishments Trends from 2010 through 2013 2010 2011 2012 2013 Water Bars Cleaned Trees Cleared from Wilderness Trails Miles of Trail Maintained Wilderness Acres Sprayed for Invasive Weeds 527 2012 trees 334 miles 0 515 2066 trees 131 miles 254 768 5547 trees 246 miles 254 598 5,670 trees 540 miles 0 13 So why? Current issues in wilderness stewardship To keep our trails open so that the public can access our amazing wilderness Pistol Creek Trail, Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho 14 7
So why? Current issues in wilderness stewardship To restore impacted areas and protect the wilderness character of the Selway & Frank Big Creek Lake, Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Bitterroot National Forest, Montana 15 So why? Current issues in wilderness stewardship Attempt to keep invasive weeds from taking over native ecosystems Selway River, Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Nez Perce National Forest, Idaho 16 8
So why? Current issues in wilderness stewardship To train the next generation of wilderness leaders Blodgett Canyon, Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Bitterroot National Forest, Montana 17 The Future of Wilderness Stewardship Trends in resources available to caretake our wilderness Projected Stewardship Projected Capacity Funding Source Funding Trend Trend Federal Agencies Congress Contractors Conservation Corps Outfitter/Guides Volunteers Non-Profits Federal Agencies Federal Agencies (primarily) Business Revenue N/A Private Donors, Private Fndtns., Federal Agencies, Corporations, Public Events, etc. EVEN TIED TO NON- PROFITS UP,, OR EVEN EVEN TIED TO NON- PROFITS UP,, OR EVEN 18 9
The Future of Wilderness Stewardship Is it this guy? Pistol Creek, Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho 19 The Future of SBFC Strategic Planning Process in 2013 Adopted Vision Statement Fostering appreciation of wilderness and participation in its stewardship. New Executive Director Sally Ferguson Brings nearly two decades of non-profit administration and fundraising experience Well incorporated with USFS policies and procedures Strong Wilderness Ethic New Programs Director Currently Hiring Region 1 / Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Program Director Volunteer Coordinator Background in Wilderness Education and Guiding We are only limited in the work we do by garnering the dollars to do it. 20 10