Faced with unprecedented wildfire seasons and the monumental task of managing nearly 200 million acres of public land, the USDA Forest Service is strengthening its partnerships with local, grassroots organizations to protect and maintain National Forests.
The agency is recognizing the vital role these organizations play in addressing critical challenges, particularly the increasing threat of wildfires across the American West. These fires, growing in size and frequency, endanger not only forests and grasslands but also critical infrastructure and communities.
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To improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk, the Forest Service is expanding its collaboration with proven partners, including the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF).
Mule Deer Foundation: A Keystone Partner
MDF, with its demonstrated expertise in ecosystem rehabilitation and improvement, has been a key partner of the Forest Service since 1988. This collaboration combines the agility of a locally connected organization with the resources and structure of the federal government.
Recognizing the need for an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to address wildfire threats and safeguard communities, the Forest Service has formalized its partnership with MDF through a master stewardship agreement, designating them a Keystone Partner. This agreement focuses on habitat improvement, restoration, and wildfire prevention.
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The partnership has already yielded significant results. MDF has treated over 276,000 acres of National Forest land, significantly reducing wildfire risks in those areas and surrounding communities. Currently, MDF has over 151,000 acres of treatment underway.
These efforts not only protect natural resources but also drive economic development in rural America by employing skilled workers and providing timber to local industries.
The USDA Forest Service and MDF partnership serves as a model for effective collaboration, demonstrating how public funds can be used to create jobs, protect communities, and enhance shared natural resources.
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