Cutting less yields more
In July 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) contracted with Ecotrust to provide estimates of potential carbon sequestration volumes on the Elliott State Forest based on three different proposed harvest levels — 30, 35, and 40 million board feet of timber cut annually. The greenhouse gas impacts of these three scenarios were striking for what they say about the potential of Pacific Northwest forests to store carbon. We calculated the annual average carbon storage potential of each harvest scenario over the next 40 years and converted this value into additional tons of carbon dioxide stored. If the state of Oregon reduced the harvest on the Elliott State forest from 40 million board feet to 30 million board feet a year, it would reduce the total emissions of greenhouse gases by the same amount as removing 10,000 cars from U.S. highways each year. Press release | Full report
Ecotrust convenes national panel on fisheries catch shares
June is National Oceans Month and public hearings are being held across the U.S. regarding the implementation of the National Ocean Policy (NOP). The policy includes guiding principles for management decisions and actions toward achieving the vision of "an America whose stewardship ensures that the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes are healthy and resilient, safe and productive, and understood and treasured so as to promote the well-being, prosperity, and security of present and future generations."
As part of the NOP framework, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) created policies to help guide the development of catch share programs as a tool for managing U.S. marine fisheries. The agency is now considering guidelines for the implementation of its Catch Share Policy. Earlier this year, Ecotrust convened the National Panel on the Community Dimensions of Fisheries Catch Share Programs. The Panel's purpose is to advance the understanding, development, and implementation of catch share programs such that they benefit communities whose economic, cultural and social fabric may depend upon fisheries. In March, the Panel released a report to help inform the development of catch share programs, and contains a set of forward-looking recommendations for making these programs work for fishing communities.
Economists shift gears
The debate about climate change and climate policy is far from over, and it has moved out of the legislature and into broader public and policy arenas. In these new arenas, emissions reduction efforts will continue to confront narrow, out-of-date economic models that play on fears about losing jobs, incomes, and competitiveness. Economists in Ecotrust's E3 Network are working to determine the most effective role of economics in building support for climate action in the U.S. Learn more.
Five Northwest tribal leaders to join rising network
Nominations are now open for Ecotrust's 10th annual Indigenous Leadership Award, recognizing native leaders dedicated to improving the social, economic, and environmental conditions of their homelands and people.
In the words of 2009 honoree Janeen Comenote, "Part of what being native is, is giving back to your community." Since 2001, Ecotrust has recognized 43 tribal leaders from Oregon, Washington, California, western Montana, Nevada, Idaho, Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory who have been giving back to their communities by working to improve their resource base, cultural base, economic security, or health and wellness. Press release
Our 2010 Annual Report
The history of Ecotrust is a story of innovation, adaptation, and evolution. From the coastal temperate rainforest of North America to the grassland savannah of North Australia, Ecotrust's evolution has taken us unexpectedly to places halfway around the globe.
Now, in our 20th year, we reflect on where we've been and what we've learned. In September 2011, we will convene leaders of innovative regional initiatives from around the world to share experiences in an effort to connect, not protect, ideas and stories that have emerged over the past two decades.
To prepare for such a humbling undertaking, we take a 20-year look back in our 2010 annual report, and a hopeful look forward, at our way of bushwhacking through the social, economic, and ecological landscape — a journey of innovation, investment, and inspiration in our own bioregional home.
From farm to school
Ecotrust just completed an economic analysis of spending $.07 extra per meal on local food in two Oregon school districts. Keep your eye out for "The Impact of Seven Cents" report.
Edible Portland new issue
Grab the new Summer 2011 issue of Edible Portland magazine from newsstands, subscribe, or read it online.
Join us for these upcoming events:
» Sundown at Ecotrust, Thursdays June 30–July 28 • concert series & innovation showcase
» Oregon Berry Festival, July 22–23 • ice creams, pies, cobblers, jams, shortcake, yum!
» Tribal Forestry Seminar, Aug. 8–11 • certification, tax credits, stewardship
» Ecotrust celebrates 20 years, Sept. 8 • party details coming soon…!
ECOTRUST IN THE NEWS
» Capital Press on Forest Ownership
» The Cordova Times on Science in the Copper River Delta
» The Oregonian on Progress Award for Ecotrust Food & Farms program
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ABOUT US: Ecotrust innovates, invests and inspires in ways that create reliable prosperity. Ecotrust's role is to serve as a think-tank that identifies deep innovation, and then it seeks to turn those ideas into proof-of-concept realities. For nearly 20 years, Ecotrust has used this approach to convert $60 million in grants into more than $300 million in capital for local people, businesses, and organizations from Alaska to California. More online at www.ecotrust.org. Have feedback for us? Please contact us.
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