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Safeguard
and Invest in the
Assets We Already Have
We need to
identify and build on the competitive advantages of our area.
These assets include public and private forests, farmland and livestock,
historic small towns, and a mountainous rural landscape. How do
we build on these assets?
One, we can
work to enhance water, forest and wildlife systems. Our six-week
course on Forest Stewardship teaches management practices that not
only enhance these natural systems, but also explain how to best
manage private forestland for sustainable harvest. The Demonstration
Forest and Riparian Area near Chewelah gives a visual demonstration
of various management practices (both good and bad), as well as
a visual interpretation of riparian regulations. We also use our
satellite capabilities to bring in nationally known experts on water
quality and Gateway communities.
Two, we can
work to increase resource productivity. The WSU Wood Products
and Engineering Laboratory is working with a local company to increase
the value of wood products by manufacturing a composite wood product.
We are working with the lab and TEDD to bring new industry to this
region that will help to reduce fuel load and forest density that
will minimize the likelihood of fire and at the same time produce
a valuable product.
Third, we can
work to create a community vision for livable towns and rural
neighborhoods. Our office was instrumental in working with Colville
to attain the award of "Tree City USA," a program sponsored
by the Arbor Foundation. We conducted a workshop recently on economic
development that gave representatives from towns and communities
in Stevens County an opportunity to identify their assets and consider
ways to use them for economic development.
Fourth, we can
invest in building market value for agricultural products. We
are currently working on three USDA grant funded projects to increase
the value and demand for locally grown products. These include testing
a product made from low-grade wool as pads for orthopedic devices,
creating local USDA inspected slaughter capacity for livestock,
and training agricultural professionals from around the Northwest
to help local growers and producers increase their direct marketing
opportunities.
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