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The Appalachian Forest Resource Center (AFRC) serves as a vital resource for communities across Central and Southern Appalachia, encompassing 13 states from Pennsylvania to Alabama. As part of the National Community Forestry Center, AFRC promotes participatory research, offers technical assistance, and fosters local innovations. Through collaborative efforts and capacity building, AFRC empowers communities to develop sustainable forestry practices and enhance local economies. Join the movement to create solutions that benefit both the environment and the people of Appalachia.
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AFRC:Background & Context AFRC BAC meeting, October 21, 2002 Colin Donohue, Principal Investigator colind@ruralaction.org
What is AFRC? • Appalachian Forest Resource Center • Serves Central and Southern Appalachia • Appalachian counties in 13 states Pennsylvania to Alabama
Appalachian Regional Commission “Distressed Counties” FY 2003
What is AFRC? (2) • One of four regional branches of NCFC- National Community Forestry Center • A project of NNFP- Nat. Network of Forest Practitioners
Origins of the NNFP • Started about 10 years ago amidst mushrooming of grassroots efforts • Ford Foundation supported efforts to find out • Who are the individuals and organizations? • Can we learn from each other? • Can we Network? • Discovered - WE HAVE A MOVEMENT
Evolution of the Role of the Network • Networking – annual meeting – 1990s - regional networking • Training – contracting, fire plan workshops • Capacity building – “Week in Washington” • PolicyInterventions– Economic Assistance Program • Research – four regional community forestry centers
National Community Forestry Center (NCFC) • USDA FFRA 4 year grant • Established four regional Centers (Pacific West, SW, NE, Appalachia) • www.nationalcommunityforestrycenter.org
National Community Forestry Center (NCFC) • 3 primary activities • Partner 2-5 communities for participatory research • Conduct locally and regionally relevant research • Technical assistance – resource center
Who is AFRC? • Hosted by Rural Action and SACCO • Advised by BAC- Bioregional Advisory Council • Supported by technical advisors • Partnering with local communities
AFRC is YOU! • A network of local communities creating innovative solutions • A network of people helping each other learn and succeed • A movement for jobs AND the environment in Appalachia
Goals of AFRC • Support communities in participatory research • Conduct research which supports innovating communities • Make existing research available to and useable by communities
“Deliverables” • Local partners’ work • Publications • Workshops • Technical assistance • Regional network of practitioners learning together • A cadre of Tech. Assist. providers • Policy?
Examples of NCFC Research • Participatory research with partner communities • Research conducted by the center – locally and regionally relevant
Research – NCFC Northern Center Starksboro, VT – measuring indicators of forest health to inform local decision-making. Center researchers working with community partners
Research – Northern Center • How changes in forestland ownership impacts local communities • Survey of landowner needs and motives, Mt. Washington Valley, NH • Identifying demonstration forests • Utilization of low value wood www.ncfcnfr.net
Research – Southwest Center Partner communities • Navajo Nation and ICE – utilizing small diameter wood • Southern Utah Forest Products Association (SUFPA) – assessing accessibility of timber sales to members • Las Humanas Cooperative, NM – ecological monitoring of forest restoration treatments • Zuni Pueblo, NM –ecological monitoring of thinning treatments www.theforesttrust.org/research.html)
Research – Pacific West Center • Matsutake Mushroom Monitoring at the Winema NF, OR Harvesters monitor raking damage
Research – Pacific West Center • Matsutake Mushroom Harvesting Map
Research – Pacific West Center Partnering the “underserved” • Crescent Lake, OR mushroom monitoring project • Maidu Culture and Development Group, CA – traditional ecological knowledge • Latino brush harvester communities in WA and OR – building their capacity to participate in forestry dialogues • Assessing the forest contract and mobile workforce in the Pacific West www.pwcfc.org
Most Importantly, What Will AFRC Be? • We are creating it. • It is what we want it to be • It is what most will benefit the region’s people and forests
The End.Or Shall We SayThe Beginning…. www.nnfp.org www.nationalcommunityforestrycenter.org www.appalachianforest.org