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Sandpoint, Idaho, Monday, March 15, 2010 - The Model Forest Policy Program has chosen six communities across the county to participate in the 2010 Climate Solutions University: Forest and Water Strategies. In partnership with the Cumberland River Compact, the six communities will receive a 10 month training program resulting in a locally focused action plan.
"We are excited to have such a diversity of communities, wide geographic representation, diversity of climate issues, backgrounds and age range of participants all learning together and from each other about sound land use planning and climate adaptation," said Dr. Nancy Gilliam, Executive Director of the Model Forest Policy Program. The six organizations and states are:
Funded by a grant from the Kresge Foundation, the educational program underscores that rural communities and forested watersheds play a vital role in solving our climate crisis. By maintaining healthy forests they conserve water resources, protect citizens from flooding, drought, and health hazards, sequester carbon, preserve their economy, and maintain natural habitat.
"When I shared the news with the group, they were ecstatic. The reason why is that sometimes we feel like people from outside the community do not care about small communities in arid regions...but when it is demonstrated to this community that people really do care and are willing to invest resources, it really does make a difference. The group is energized...and hope for more positive things to come their way," said John Weisheit, Canyonlands Watershed Council.
The project draws upon a three way partnership led by the Model Forest Policy Project in collaboration with The Cumberland River Compact. The Compact provides education on water resources and watershed issues.
About the Model Forest Policy Program
The Model Forest Policy Program (MFPP) is a national nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to forest stewardship and sustainable forestry practices by private forest land owners. MFPP partners with local governments, businesses, and public and private organizations by showing them how land use and sustainable practices that protect forested areas also provide long term, cost-effective climate solutions, water supplies and sustainable communities. Nancy Gilliam, the Executive Director, is available for interviews about forest and water climate planning.
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Global Warming Solutions
The world has finally begun to wake up to the reality of climate change and many local governments are taking responsible steps because of definitive reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and obvious impacts such as retreating glaciers, rising sea level, and record breaking hurricanes.
The Model Forest Policy Program [MFPP] is addressing the urgent issue of global warming by fostering climate resilient communities. Since "two-thirds" of U.S. fresh water originates on forested land, forest management, water resources and climate change go hand in hand.
We are partnering with local governments, businesses, public and private organizations by showing them how land use and sustainable practices that protect forested areas also provide long term, cost-effective climate solutions by:
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>> FREE TELESEMINAR << Why are forests so vital in solving the climate crisis and protecting our communities?
Listen to the recording!
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