What Happens - Or Doesn't Happen - In Forests Shapes Industry

Without public trust and understanding, every part of the system suffers. Here’s how Evergreen is bridging the gap...

Traditional Ecological Knowledge Reminds Us: The Forest Sustains the Mill

Healthy Forests, Stable Communities, Strong Industry

If you missed our last message, please take a moment to read on. Evergreen’s work—connecting forest to community health—depends on ongoing support. I’m sharing the heart of it again - with some addition information - because it’s that important.

Tuesday morning, Jim sat down with Evergreen board member Peter Kolb for a two-hour live interview on KGVO Montana - Talk Back Tuesday with Peter Christian. It was a perfect example of what makes Evergreen effective: bringing scientific powerhouse voices together to educate the public.

HINT: Listen on your phone rather than on the website unless you want to deal with disabling add blockers.

Our board is made up of leaders like Peter—people who donate their time because they believe in Evergreen’s 40-year mission:

“To advance public understanding and support for science-based forestry and forest policy.”

Evergreen’s work serves:

Landowners
Mill owners and employees
Loggers
Equipment dealers
County commissioners
Local business owners
Council members
Civic leaders
Elected officials
State and federal agencies
Natural resource organizations
Educators

Every one of these groups depends on public trust and understanding—exactly what Evergreen builds.

But Evergreen’s work cannot be measured in board feet, acres treated, or habitat restored. And that is exactly why it’s often overlooked. Too often, those with resources—who benefit most—struggle to see its value.

Yet public education works. Over time, it changes minds, shifts policy, and strengthens communities.

Evergreen has chosen the long road: building trust, credibility, and understanding across generations. That road isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t yield immediate financial return. But it pays dividends in the form of public support, healthier forests, and stable communities.

The truth is this: without public trust, every part of the system suffers. Mills lose access, landowners face resistance, loggers and contractors are sidelined, and local economies take the hit.

And this is not a new idea...
Traditional Ecological Knowledge has always recognized that the forest sustains the mill—not the other way around. Healthy forests sustain communities, and in turn, communities sustain industry.

Evergreen’s work is about keeping that connection clear in the public mind.

We’ve brought that wisdom to life in our “Anchor Forests” video series — four conversations with tribal forestry leaders about the deep connections between forests, communities, and economies:

🎥 Part 1: Land and Place — the cultural and ecological roots of Anchor Forests.
🎥 Part 2: Overcoming Boundaries — partnerships that cross ownership lines and bring people together.
🎥 Part 3: Fire and Climate Change — how traditional knowledge and modern science align in managing risk.
🎥 Part 4: Forest Policy and Economics — why sustaining forests sustains communities and industry.

👉 Watch the full Anchor Forests series here

Evergreen has carried this work for 40 years. But those who benefit most cannot afford to sit it out. Public education is not a luxury—it’s the foundation on which the entire industry stands. And it’s the bridge that connects forest health to community health.

What happens in the forest doesn’t stay in the forest. It shapes every community, every family, every future. That’s why financial contributions are the lifeblood of our mission. If you value stability, trust, and the future of our forests and communities, it’s time to invest in the long road.

Just as healthy forests need steady stewardship, Evergreen needs steady support. Ongoing Subscriptions and Donations are the roots that keep our mission growing.

Thank you for supporting forest-to-community health—what do you want from your forest?
Julia Petersen
Nonprofit professional with a background in human behavior, bridging community needs with lasting solutions
Vice President – Operations & Project Coordinator, Evergreen

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What Happens - Or Doesn't Happen - In Forests Shapes Industry

Traditional Ecological Knowledge Reminds Us: The Forest Sustains the Mill

“To advance public understanding and support for science-based forestry and forest policy.”

Evergreen’s work serves:

Every one of these groups depends on public trust and understanding—exactly what Evergreen builds.

Evergreen’s work is about keeping that connection clear in the public mind.

Evergreen has carried this work for 40 years. But those who benefit most cannot afford to sit it out. Public education is not a luxury—it’s the foundation on which the entire industry stands. And it’s the bridge that connects forest health to community health.

Just as healthy forests need steady stewardship, Evergreen needs steady support. Ongoing Subscriptions and Donations are the roots that keep our mission growing.

What Happens - Or Doesn't Happen - In Forests Shapes Industry

Traditional Ecological Knowledge Reminds Us: The Forest Sustains the Mill

“To advance public understanding and support for science-based forestry and forest policy.”

Evergreen’s work serves:

Every one of these groups depends on public trust and understanding—exactly what Evergreen builds.

Evergreen’s work is about keeping that connection clear in the public mind.

Evergreen has carried this work for 40 years. But those who benefit most cannot afford to sit it out. Public education is not a luxury—it’s the foundation on which the entire industry stands. And it’s the bridge that connects forest health to community health.

Just as healthy forests need steady stewardship, Evergreen needs steady support. Ongoing Subscriptions and Donations are the roots that keep our mission growing.

To those who already subscribe or donate: Thank you. You make this work possible.

To those who already subscribe or donate:
Thank you. You make this work possible.