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| Natio n a l Fo re st Foundation |
Treasured Landscapes,
Unforgettable Experiences
| Tre a sure d La ndsc a pe s, Unforgetta ble Exp e r ie n c e s |

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| Natio n a l Fo re st Foundation |
With 418 million visits each year,
America’s National Forest
System gives us:
155 National Forests & 22 National
Grasslands | 95 Wild & Scenic Rivers
| 133,000 miles of trails | Fresh water
supply for 66 million people in 3,400
communities | Habitat for one-third of all
federally listed threatened or endangered
species | 4,300 campgrounds | 80 percent of
the elk, mountain goat and bighorn sheep
habitat in the lower 48 | 136 Scenic Byways |
35 million acres of designated Wilderness
| Tre a sure d La ndsc a pe s, Unforgetta ble Exp e r ie n c e s |

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| Natio n a l Fo re st Foundation |
Treasured Landscapes, Unforgettable Experiences
The National Forest Foundation’s
Campaign to Revitalize Our Forests &
Strengthen Our Connection to Nature

The exhilaration of an early morning


walk through fragrant cedars | The cold,
clear water streaming from your tap Today, achieving this mission means taking on
| The rush of racing down the bumps and complex conservation challenges that early conser-
bends of a mountain bike trail vationists could never have imagined—from severe
wildfire to global climate change. More than ever,
| The heart-stopping encounter with a our ability to pass these lands on to the next genera-
massive bull moose | The wonder of a child’s tion depends on the commitment we make and the
commitment we can nurture in others.
view of each pebble, leaf and bird
To meet these urgent needs, the National For-
est Foundation has launched a conservation cam-
paign to rally people, expertise, and resources to
All this and more—a gift for you—wrapped up in conserve and enhance our National Forests from
the diverse beauty of our 193-million-acre National coast to coast. Please join us as we work to revitalize
Forest System. Brimming with natural values for America’s forests and strengthen the connection of
America’s people and communities, National For- all Americans to these great lands.
ests enrich our lives in so many ways. Clean water
and air, hiking trails and campgrounds, wild rivers
Together, we can perpetuate our treasured
and wildlife—abundant natural resources perpetu-
landscapes and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
ated for the common good. These lands are our
shared inheritance and responsibility. Citizen action
created our public lands legacy—and it will take citi-
zen stewardship to ensure its future.
The National Forest Foundation embodies the
spirit of the early American conservation move-
ment by empowering people to care for the natural
resources they need and wild places they love.
The mission of the National Forest Foundation
is to engage Americans in community-based and
national programs that promote the health and
public enjoyment of our 193-million-acre National
Forest System.
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| Tre a sure d La ndsc a pe s, Unforgetta ble Exp e r ie n c e s |

President Theodore Roosevelt and first Forest Service Chief Gifford Pinchot

“A people without children would face a hopeless future;


a country without trees is almost as helpless; forests which
are so used that they cannot renew themselves will soon
vanish, and with them all their benefits. When you help
preserve our forests or plant new ones, you are acting
the part of good citizen.”
—Theodore Roosevelt
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| Natio n a l Fo re st Foundation |
Resources to Live, Places to Love
Values Run Deep in
Our National Forests Forests & Grasslands
In the beginning, National Forests and Grasslands
served to protect resources for a young, grow-
They are the Daniel Boone in Kentucky, the Gila ing country. But soon our nation’s growth placed
in New Mexico, the Tongass in Alaska, and the demand on these resources that reframed the way
Chequamegon in Wisconsin. They are hardwoods the nation viewed our public lands. For decades,
and conifers, rocky peaks and river gorges. You’ve the value of our forests and grasslands was mea-
probably driven through one, sipped drinking sured in board feet and productivity. Today, we’ve
water that filtered down their mountains, or hiked come full circle, as we realize that the economics of
the meandering trails. healthy forest ecosystems permeate our lives much
Covering eight percent of the United States, deeper than the products they generate. Forests
America’s National Forest System ranges across function as ecological life-support systems—pro-
193 million acres with their roots in the late 19th viding a complement of goods and services vital to
century. Under the Forest Reserve Act of 1891, our own health and well-being. From foresters to
U.S. presidents could set aside tree-covered pub- recreationists to scientists, we now recognize these
lic domain land to manage and perpetuate forests, many natural assets impacting our quality of life as
water, wildlife and other natural resources. A corps “ecosystem services.”
of early champions—led by President Theodore Healthy trees offer irreplaceable benefits for
Roosevelt—significantly expanded the forest re- communities. Biodiversity conservation, flood con-
serve system into the millions of acres of public trol and watershed health, carbon storage and scenic
lands they are today. landscapes make up the traditionally undervalued
Since then, National Forests have seen a varied, benefits of vibrant forests and grasslands. Forests
sometimes tumultuous history—but they have re- and open space improve quality of life, particularly
mained the mainstay of America’s natural identity. in more developed areas, enhancing human health
Our relationship with these landscapes has drifted and emotional well-being. Lacking a formal market,
from exploration of the wild frontier to the business all of these critical natural values can be overlooked
of resource extraction to destinations for outdoor in public, corporate and individual decision-mak-
adventure. Today, following a century of population ing. As a result, wild places and the resources they
growth and development, National Forests are more provide grow increasingly susceptible to misuse, de-
important to us than ever. These are the people’s velopment and conversion.
lands—scattered across our stunningly diverse na- The Forest Service has begun exploring ways to
tion amidst communities large and small. No matter encourage a broader view of the values harbored
where you live or what you love to do—National within our forests. Promoting the many social and
Forests add irreplaceable value to your life. economic values of healthy, natural landscapes can
help prompt a new era of market-based conserva-
tion and stewardship.
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| Tre a sure d La ndsc a pe s, Unforgetta ble Exp e r ie n c e s |

For more than a century, the unique


natural heritage we share in America’s
National Forests and Grasslands has pro-
vided the resources we need to live, wild
outdoors for adventure and renewal, and
landscapes that bind us to our
history and each other.

Recreation National Forest System makes up the largest source


From a simple walk to clear your head to bonding of municipal water supply in the nation—serving
with your kids around a crackling campfire to push- more than 66 million people in 3,400 communities
ing your physical limits while scaling rocky crags— in 33 states. Los Angeles, Denver, Portland and At-
a lifetime of outdoor recreation possibilities awaits lanta are just of few of the major population centers
you. National Forests comprise our nation’s most that receive most of their fresh water from National
heavily used recreation lands—accommodating Forests.
more than 418 million visits annually. And it’s no Overall ecological integrity relies heavily on the
wonder. From hiking trails to campgrounds, rivers health of our forested watersheds. Forested lands
to wildlife watching, National Forests offer some- absorb rain, refill underground aquifers, cool and
thing for everyone. These lands host 57 percent of clean water, slow storm runoff, and reduce flooding.
all skiing in the nation, as well as 50 million days of Hundreds of fish and wildlife species depend upon
fishing and 30 million days of hunting annually. the 400,000 miles of streams and 3 million acres of
For many of us, National Forests are our outdoor lakes across our National Forests.
playground—easily accessible, rich in varied recre- Better than any water park imaginable,
ation opportunities, and endlessly fulfilling with National Forests also give us abundant water-based
their spectrum of scenery and terrain. But with this recreation activities—from fishing to whitewater
bounty of outdoor opportunity come the challenges rafting, leisurely canoe routes to scenic swimming
presented by a growing population and unrestrained holes. Whether an avid angler or just a downstream
use. In many popular places, rapid increases in rec- resident, in one way or another, most Americans
reational activity have led to ecological damage— derive some benefit from the waters of our National
from degraded trails to noxious weed infestation to Forests. Those water resources now require careful
eroded streambanks. Without stewardship to protect both the quantity and quality
proper care and management, we need and value.
the very character that draws
us outdoors—scenic beauty, Biodiversity
pristine resources, and wild From temperate rain forests to alpine tundra to
nature—diminishes in value. Southwestern deserts, virtually every North Ameri-
can habitat is represented within our National For-
Water ests. These 193 million acres of varied climate and
The lifeblood of our planet, character sustain more than 10,000 species of plants
water runs at the heart of our and 3,000 species of fish and wildlife. One-third of
National Forest history—as a federally listed endangered species find food, water
key priority in the early con- and shelter on our National Forests and Grasslands.
servation of forested lands. The timber wolf, grizzly bear, whooping crane and
Few people realize that our bald eagle are just a few of the iconic American
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| Natio n a l Fo re st Foundation |
species that depend upon National Forest habitat
and the stewardship of these lands.
America’s biodiversity is not only essential to eco-
system function; it ultimately affects the well-being
of us all. The diversity of life within National Forests
harbors many unexplored options for our future,
carrying with it an array of values. The challenges to
maintaining this biodiversity are many—most nota-
bly habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and cli-
mate change. Approximately one-third of U.S. wild-
life species are at risk of extinction. As the number
of federally protected endangered and threatened
species continues to increase, public lands hold the
key to restoring and perpetuating the many interde-
pendent elements of forest biodiversity.
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| Tre a sure d La ndsc a pe s, Unforgetta ble Exp e r ie n c e s |

Lands in Change, Resources at Risk


Wildfire, Climate Change and
Other Threats to National Forests
The hills above Los Angeles ablaze…mountain cab- • Soil erosion that filters into streams and rivers,
ins reduced to ashes…exhausted firefighters digging diminishing water quality and aquatic habitat
yet another fire line. Pervasive images of devastat- values.
ing wildfires fill the front page more frequently than A century of aggressive fire suppression is partly
ever. Since the 1980s, this country’s fire seasons have to blame—but the mounting impacts of climate
grown progressively longer and more intense. In change have lit the fuse on a flaring combination of
2006, 96,000 fires burned a record near 10 million threats to natural systems as we know them.
acres in the United States. These burned landscapes Over the next 100 years, average global tem-
pose an overwhelming restoration challenge, requir- peratures are expected to rise by 1.4 to 5.8 degrees
ing more attention and resources than the agency Celsius. This significant warming will decrease
that manages them has to give. snowpack, reduce summer streamflows and pro-
Many of our forests, particularly in the West, duce drier summers. With shorter, milder winters
evolved as fire-adapted landscapes—once kept and longer warm seasons, climate change is fueling
strong and vibrant by a beneficial and natural fire the frequency and severity of wildfire. It also fosters
regime. But, today, millions of acres have become conditions that perpetuate damaging insects, dis-
overgrown and ecologically out of balance—dense ease and invasive weeds—which then further raise
tinderboxes of fuel. Currently, the Forest Service the wildfire risk in weakened forests. Associated
estimates that 40 million acres of National Forests drought adds to the challenge, threatening the qual-
stand at high risk for unnaturally severe fire. When ity and quantity of fresh water resources that sustain
fire rages through these forests, it leaves in its wake our forest ecosystems and our communities.
ecological, economic and so- The scale and complex-
cial impacts including: ity of these challenges to our
• Personal property damage forests demand significant
and loss. and well-planned invest-
• Long-term damage to ments. To protect biodiver-
viewsheds, aesthetics, sity, provide clean water, and
and recreation resources perpetuate vibrant National
for nearby residents and Forests, we face a dual chal-
millions of outdoors enthu- lenge. We must revitalize the
siasts. landscapes already damaged
• Destruction of some wild- by fire, drought and insects
life habitats—threatening —to bring back their many
biodiversity. natural values. And we must
• Loss of trees and vegeta- boost the resiliency of healthy
tion that play a vital role in forests against the increas-
sequestering carbon emis- ingly devastating impacts
sions and helping to miti- spawned by climate change
gate climate change. and wildfire.
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| Natio n a l Fo re st Foundation |
aturated
is overs
color

a n’s
firem in
-up fire
lose w/ nd
c face krou
bac

Climate change, wildfire, invasive species, unchecked development


—a pervasive web of interconnected influences threatens to dismantle
the landscapes we love and value. Millions of acres of National Forest land
are already at diminished capacity to provide all types of environmental
services, with millions more at imminent risk.
| Tre a sure d La ndsc a pe s, Unforgetta ble Exp e r ie n c e s |

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| Natio n a l Fo re st Foundation |
The Human Challenge—Who Will Care for Our Forests?

As daunting as today’s forest stewardship Helping youth discover the wonders of nature
challenges seem, just as disconcerting is the declin- enhances their lives in many ways, including:
ing constituency to care for these lands in the future. • Reduced stress and improved physical health.

In years past, Americans drew their affinity for con- • Higher test scores and improved attention span.

servation from their personal experiences with the • Enhanced creativity.

land. Yet today, fewer and fewer children grow up • Better self-confidence and initiative.

with nature in their lives. Between 1997 and 2003, • Environmental knowledge and appreciation.

the proportion of kids ages 9 to 12 who spent time


hiking, walking, fishing, or otherwise enjoying na- The future health of our kids and our nation’s
ture declined 50 percent. This drop in outdoor wild places balances on our ability to repair the bro-
participation carries a host of impacts—from the ken outdoor connection. Many adults and youth
decline in kids’ physical health to their diminishing alike won’t be motivated to care for natural resourc-
environmental knowledge and conservation ethic. es they don’t understand, experience or love. Our
So many societal changes have widened the grow- National Forests stand at risk without a connection
ing disconnect between kids and nature—creating to our kids, their parents and our communities. But
the phenomenon author Richard Louv has dubbed the very nature of National Forests also makes them
“Nature Deficit Disorder.” Television, computers the perfect solution—with 193 million acres of wild
and video games consume the free time of many places to explore and resources to enhance quality
kids. Others are increasingly busy and oversched- of life.
uled with schoolwork, sports and extracurricular
activities. Parental fears about safety, fewer outdoor
mentors, limited access to outdoor resources—all
hold back our younger generations from develop-
ing a love for the outdoors.

Between 1997 and 2003,


the proportion of kids ages 9 to 12
who spent time hiking, walking, fishing,
or otherwise enjoying nature declined
50 percent.
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Our national history and identity, our quality of life and o
| Tre a sure d La ndsc a pe s, Unforgetta ble Exp e r ie n c e s |

of wild places we call National Forests. They are ours to


Foundation is working to restore the vitality of degrade
will sustain these landscape
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our future—all are wrapped up in this amazing package

| Natio n a l Fo re st Foundation |
enjoy and ours to steward wisely. The National Forest
ed forest lands and restore the human connection that
es for generations to come.
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| Tre a sure d La ndsc a pe s, Unforgetta ble Exp e r ie n c e s |

Hundreds of community partners, thousands of vol-


unteers and one all-important word—collaboration.
The National Forest Foundation has built a network of
community-based partners and strategies, resulting in
thousands of trees replanted, dozens of watersheds
restored, countless miles of trails improved, and thou-
sands of acres of wildlife habitat enhanced.

The National Forest Foundation


Uniting a Community of Stewards
While dedicating much of his life to protecting is the only conservation organization solely focused
wild places in trust for future generations, Teddy on our National Forests. We don’t duplicate the re-
Roosevelt also articulated the individual responsibil- sponsibilities of this important federal agency—but
ity that comes with inheriting these lands. Today, at complement its daily work beyond the status quo.
a time when these vast lands face urgent needs, the The NFF takes advantage of our ability to respond
National Forest Foundation (NFF) is seeking to re- in a timely and flexible manner, filling the conserva-
vitalize the democratic spirit of American conserva- tion and stewardship gaps across our treasured for-
tion. ests and grasslands.
Formed under Congressional charter in 1991, the We believe that concerned citizens should play an
NFF works on behalf of America’s public lands, in active role in determining the future of the forested
collaboration with America’s people. Reflecting the landscapes that offer them so many ecological, eco-
citizen-led movement that created our National For- nomic and social benefits. The NFF meets National
ests, the NFF builds public-private partnerships— Forest conservation needs by giving people the tools
uniting agencies, communities, they need to care for the lands they
organizations and individuals love. We leverage funds, energy, sci-
in conserving and enhancing ence, technical expertise, and the
natural systems. We tap into power of local enthusiasm to restore
the passion that people gain and enhance Americans’ favorite
through their relationship with outdoor places. Working with oth-
the land—and we help others ers, we help protect and revitalize
to develop that passion through thousands of acres, ensuring vibrant
outdoor experiences. forests, clean air and water, produc-
A key nonprofit partner of tive wildlife habitat, and quality rec-
the U.S. Forest Service, the NFF reation resources for all Americans.
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Collaboration, Community, Commitment
The Campaign for
Our National Forests
With millions of acres in need of restoration and Partnerships, grass-roots collaboration, lever-
millions of people unaware of how National Forests aged funding, science—and of course the strength
enrich their lives, the NFF faces a big job ahead. of an engaged citizenry—will lead us along the path
Our ability to tackle these challenges with confi- to perpetuating our natural heritage.
dence stems from years dedicated to understanding
stewardship needs and refining the tools to collab-
oratively address them.
Collaboration is the powerful engine driving all
In support of our campaign goal to restore
of our work. With a diverse mix of partners—state degraded forest lands, the NFF employs
and federal agencies, grass-roots organizations, and sound science, strategic conservation
thousands of individual volunteers—we leverage
public and private resources to maximize our con- partnerships, grant funds, and technical
servation impact. assistance. This recipe for collaborative
stewardship facilitates projects that address
Our goals in this Campaign to Revitalize Our Forests
and Strengthen Our Connection to Nature: today’s most pressing forest restoration
• We will implement stewardship projects that
needs, including revitalizing burned
nurture more resilient forest ecosystems.
• We will restore landscapes damaged by wildfire, landscapes, combating invasive species,
insects, disease and other natural disasters to improving watershed health, and boosting
provide scenic, watershed, wildlife and carbon natural carbon sequestration.
sequestration benefits.
• We will invest in the strength of communities

of interest and communities of place, helping Revitalizing Our Forests


people to convert their passion for forests into Decades of fire suppression, increasing use, severe
meaningful and sustainable conservation solu- wildfire, climate change—with the complex array
tions and actions. of factors influencing the vitality of our National
• We will help the American public to fully Forests, it’s no surprise that millions of acres stand
understand, savor and appreciate all that our either vulnerable to catastrophic change or are
National Forests have to offer—building lasting already intensely damaged. Knowing that restoring
connections with the lands that give us clean air these landscapes to resilient ecosystems is an enor-
and water, diversity of life, and fulfilling outdoor mous challenge, the NFF is redirecting our suite of
recreation opportunities.
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established conservation strategies toward large- While building community capacity to implement
scale restoration in priority areas. and sustain local conservation work, the NFF will
Restoration blends an understanding of histori- foster common ground and proactive conservation
cal natural conditions with modern science and an solutions, overcoming past divisiveness over natural
eye on adapting for our changing future. To ensure resource stewardship.
that our forests, watersheds, and habitats can persist Knowledge underlies the success of this collab-
through diverse impacts, effective restoration also orative stewardship. By bringing science and techni-
demands that we care for the whole system. cal assistance to the table, the NFF will broaden the
To date, the NFF has successfully relied on part- community of people working toward shared goals
nerships, community engagement and leveraging on public lands issues, raising the general knowl-
of resources to accomplish broader conservation edge and skill level of stewardship practitioners,
results that any group or agency can do alone. With and preventing repetition of common mistakes. We
this campaign, the NFF will expand its leadership will add value to our many partnerships by docu-
role in identifying, designing and supporting prior- menting and sharing what we and our partners have
ity restoration projects that revitalize our forests for learned through peer networking meetings, model
their many values. We will bring together diverse stewardship projects, facilitated training sessions,
nonprofits, community members and the For- and formal resources.
est Service to address specific conservation needs.

To ensure the future for our National Forests, we must nurture


Americans’ love for the outdoors and commitment to conservation.
Through volunteerism, outdoor recreation opportunities, and
education, the NFF is working to reconnect people of all ages with
the many benefits they gain through our National Forest System.

Strengthing Our Connection photos and stories that reveal many ways to appreci-
America’s National Forests depend ate National Forests and Grasslands.
on people who love and understand But Friends of the Forest offers much more than
them. The NFF formed its Friends information. It offers a way for people to support
of the Forest program to give inter- conservation and take part in hands-on steward-
ested individuals an avenue for learning about the ship as well. The NFF’s Friends of the Forest Days
issues and values surrounding our National For- involve people of all ages to partake in volunteer
ests. We communicate with thousands of “Friends” projects fixing up popular forest areas. Volunteers
through a web site and electronic newsletter, sharing pull weeds, repair trails, or clean up campgrounds,
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reaping tangible stewardship results in the work- ing a way to
and fun-filled day. The fulfillment of giving back to stay involved
our forests strengthens their appreciation for nature with nature
and the challenges we face in passing this legacy of through recre-
wild places on to future generations. Whether as ation. We will involve youth in forest stewardship
volunteers, outdoors enthusiasts, or interested citi- projects that also incorporate nature-based learning
zens, the NFF’s Friends are becoming an informed and outdoor skills development. Our own Friends of
and powerful constituency of forest users and sup- the Forest volunteer stewardship activities will help
porters. parents demonstrate a love of the outdoors to their
As the NFF and its Friends of the Forest work kids—and give kids a hands-on chance to experi-
to leave this world a better place for our children, ence and learn to love the land.
we also want today’s kids to appreciate and savor all Breaking through the barriers to outdoor engage-
that our National Forests have to offer. Our goal is ment depends on helping people overcome fear and
to develop and promote programs that give kids the uncertainty about nature. Through a combination
physical, educational and spiritual benefits of a life of hands-on stewardship and outdoor recreation,
connected to the outdoors. the NFF can lay a foundation of positive experi-
Capitalizing on our strengths in community- ences that lead to a lifetime involvement with and
based conservation, the NFF will focus on efforts commitment to the great outdoors.
that teach kids to be good stewards while develop-

”In this spirit—no matter what your age—dare to love these


forests deeper, and to share this love with your family and
friends. In their still-wild state, they are not just a symbol
of freedom, they are freedom, made manifest to all the
senses. They are an abiding gift, but now we are being
called upon to care for them.”
— Rick Bass
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| Natio n a l Fo re st Foundation |
Five things you can do
to connect with and help perpetuate
our legacy of National Forests:
1 Have fun out there! Explore the many trails, rivers, and wild corners of our
National Forests.

2 Engage others. Take a child, friend or family member outdoors; share the
many wonders of a vibrant natural environment.

3 Become a Friend. Being an NFF Friend of the Forest links you to informa-
tion about the issues and values related to our forests.

4 Get your hands dirty. There are countless opportunities for volunteers to
enjoy fulfilling, hands-on stewardship projects.

5 Join and support. Multiply the impacts of your giving by supporting


the NFF and our campaign for Treasured Landscapes & Unforgettable
Experiences.
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Design: Lloyd Greenberg Design, LLC | Photography: Kevin Adams: p 16 | Todd Caudle: p 2, 15 | Library of Congress: p 4 | Sarah Hill: p 11 | Meghan McGuire: p 21
| Mike McMillan: p 8 | Marc Muench: p 6, 7, 9, cover | David Muench: p 10, 22, inside cover | Lance Schelvan: p 3, 6, 7, 20, 23 | Tim Wolcott: p 3, 12-13, 19
PLEASE JOIN US
To revitalize our forests and strengthen our natural connection is to help pro-
tect the mainstay of America’s natural identity. Friends, foundations, and the
corporate community are invited to join with the National Forest Foundation
in this urgent effort from coast to coast. Together, as citizen stewards, we will
protect our public lands for today’s and future generations.

National Forest Foundation


Building 27, Suite 3 | Fort Missoula Road | Missoula, MT 59804
406.542.2805
www.nationalforests.org

Thanks to Dr. Michael Freed for his generous support.


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| Tre a sure d La ndsc a pe s, Unforgetta ble Exp e r ie n c e s |

National Forest Foundation


Building 27 Suite 3
Fort Missoula Road
Missoula, MT 59804
406-542-2805
406-542-2810 (fax)
www.nationalforests.org

A printer was engaged for this project that is an EPA Climate Leaders Partner.

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