The general population embraces the local food movement to sustains local farms, but it doesn’t seem to be as popular to use forest products to support our local forests. Forests and farms are interrelated, and together they form the unique landscape across our region. We should celebrate both parts of our working landscape.

Community Forest projects are a great way for communities to meet a mix of conservation and community goals across ecology, economics, recreation, and education.

When approaching rural community development issues, the Northern Forest needs to capitalize on our unique competitive advantages that can’t be found anywhere else—the forest, mountains, water, and sense of place—and tailor our efforts to retaining and attracting people who want the lifestyle afforded by this place.

To retain and attract young people for the region, we must pay attention to their personal, familial and professional needs. These include affordable access to broadband, good schools and hospitals, social opportunities, outdoor recreation, and quality housing.

May 14, 2020  CONTACTS:  Mia Purcell, Community Concepts Finance Corporation Mike Wilson, Senior Program Director, Northern Forest Center Partnership provides 200 [...]