The Forest WRX Alliance has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the Redwood Region RISE Catalyst Fund aimed at transforming our region’s forest stewardship economy. After five years of collaborative planning, strategic development, and systems analysis with diverse partners across the region, we’re excited about the potential to move this important work forward.
Our proposal addresses the interconnected challenges of wildfire risk, economic uncertainty, and climate change through four integrated components:
1. Advancing Career Pathways in Forest Stewardship – Working with the Lake County RCD, we’ll create a comprehensive assessment and dashboard of workforce training opportunities to connect job seekers with education and help employers find skilled workers.
2. Developing Programmatic Leadership in Climate Tech – In partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt and Blue Lake Rancheria, we’ll support the development of innovative academic programs that position our region at the forefront of climate solutions education.
3. Connecting Mass Timber to Rural Housing Needs – Mad River Mass Timber will develop prototype designs for sustainable, locally-produced housing solutions that serve communities throughout the Redwood Region.
4. Opening New Carbon Markets for Wildfire Risk Reduction – Through a pilot project with Humboldt Redwood Company, we’ll demonstrate how carbon credits can finance forest health treatments, potentially scaling to hundreds of thousands of acres across the region.
The proposal also includes two additional components: engineering design for an affordable natural timber framing system and expanded faculty engagement at Cal Poly Humboldt.
This multi-faceted approach represents a collaborative effort spanning Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, and Lake Counties, with partners including tribal organizations, resource conservation districts, academic institutions, and industry leaders. The majority of the proposed funding will directly benefit disinvested communities while creating quality, living-wage jobs throughout the region.
With funding decisions anticipated in early April, we’re hopeful that this catalyst investment will help build the foundation for a thriving circular economy that turns our forest management challenges into opportunities for economic and environmental renewal.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting initiative!