Working to shift from a timber economy to one that’s sustainable for people and the environment
We are so pleased to share that The Daily Yonder, a national news organization for rural people and places, recently ran an article we wrote about one of our grant partners, Lake County Resources Initiative (LCRI). “Rural Oregon Nonprofit Focuses on Sustainable Natural Resources Management,” written by Annissa Anderson for The Roundhouse Foundation, covers the important work LCRI is doing to create a more sustainable economy and future across the Oregon.
Founded by Jim Walls twenty years ago, LCRI’s original mission was to promote local workforce training and sustainable forest management in the face of a decline in lumber production. As the climate, resources and economy continues to evolve, the organization’s mission has shifted to encompass an “economic, ecological and sustainable approach to natural resource management, climate disruption solutions, youth and community education, and increased economic development in the pursuit of continual improvement of the quality of life for present and future generations.”
The article continues on to cover several collaborations and projects that the organization has spearheaded, including working with the Lakeview Stewardship Group on land management and forest health in Lake County’s Fremont-Winema National Forest; energy efficiency programs in Lake County for individuals and businesses; partnering with groups like the Energy Trust of Oregon and University of Oregon RARE (Resource Assistance for Rural Environments)
AmeriCorps program, among other projects. LCRI also helped raise more than $400,000 in USDA REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) grants, which fund renewable energy project costs all around the state.
Annissa writes, “The other focus for Lake County Resources Initiative is its energy programs. LCRI provides information and resources on energy efficiency and renewable energy options to residents, businesses and community organizations in order to strengthen the local economy and work towards a zero-emissions goal for the county.”
At The Roundhouse Foundation, we found out about the important work that LCRI was doing through the documentary film, “Other Side of the Hill,” which covered how and why these collaborations in rural Oregon worked. We reached out to learn more, and understand the organization’s needs, and ultimately provided additional funding for another full-time LCRI employee to help support its programs.
The complete article in The Daily Yonder includes interviews with key stakeholders in the organization and more complete details on LCRI’s work in Oregon. You can read it in its entirety here: https://dailyyonder.com/rural-oregon-nonprofit-focuses-on-sustainable-natural-resource-management/2022/06/23/
