In January the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that a $4.2 million grant will be awarded to the Clallam County Economic Development Council in Port Angeles, Washington. The grant will be used to advance indigenous forestry resource development in the region. 

The grant will allow the Olympic National Resource Center (ONRC) and its partners in this project to support redevelopment of the Forks Industrial Park, implementation of a forestry workforce development program and completion of environmental studies which in turn will advance forestry products industry and make Clallam County more resilient and prosperous. The ONRC will be working alongside the Clallam EDC, Stewart Professor of Forest Operations, Woodam Chung, of Oregon State University, the Composite Recycling Technology Center, Peninsula College, the City of Forks, Clallam County and the Port of Port Angeles. ONRC Director and SEFS Professor Bernard Bormann shared how the teams will use the grant to advance indigenous forestry resource industrial development in an abstract.

“This workforce training program aims to build a highly-skilled and technologically advanced forestry workforce in Clallam and Jefferson Counties, WA. Recognizing the growing need for skilled professionals who can adapt to evolving technologies and sustainable forest management practices, this project will provide comprehensive, technology-focused training for both new and existing workers. By bridging the skills gap and cultivating a future-ready workforce, this initiative will increase diversity and inclusion in the forestry sector.  The broader program will leverage existing resources and partnerships to deliver a range of training opportunities, including comprehensive curricula, approved certificate programs at Peninsula College. ONRC’s role is mainly to teach advanced career development courses. Ultimately, this initiative will contribute to sustainable forest management and promote economic growth in forest-dependent rural communities.”

Representative Emily Randwall (WA-6) shared that she’s thrilled to see this critical investment in indigenous forestry resources and workforce development. “Tribal communities have stewarded the lands and waters and forests of the Peninsula since time immemorial, and following their lead will build a stronger, more inclusive, more resilient economy for all of us. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these dollars will have for real people and the place we live,” Randwall said.