Director of TWP Sebastian Africano and SFNF Forest Supervisor Shaun Sanchez shake hands after signing two collaborative agreements. Courtesy/SFNF
SFNF News:
SANTA FE — The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) signs two separate agreements with Fort Collins, Colo., based “Trees, Water and People” (TWP) to build upon successful collaborations between the SFNF and local Pueblos on reforestation, watershed improvement and forest restoration within the Jemez Ranger District.
Trees, Water and People is a critical conservation education and preservation advocacy organization that was established six years ago. The Colorado-based group is looking to expand their reach to Native American communities in New Mexico by providing resources through their already established network of Tribal youth organizations. TWP will also provide their expertise in forest restoration and hydrology during the planning and implementation phases of important SFNF projects located within the Jemez Ranger District.
One agreement will formalize a partnership between the two organizations to work collaboratively on these critical projects. The other agreement will allocate $125,000 in Indian Youth Service Corps funds from the USDA Forest Service that were awarded to TWP through a competitive process in April 2024. These funds will be used by TWP to assist with planning and implementation of reforestation projects in the 2022 Cerro Pelado burned area. Reforestation work will be conducted by Native youth from local Pueblos and the Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps.
“This public/non-profit partnership with the Forest Service is a tremendous milestone for Trees, Water and People. We look forward to expanding our capacity to work with area Pueblos and the Santa Fe National Forest on critical forest restoration and reforestation challenges in the Jemez Mountains,” TWP Executive Director Sebastian Africano said.
“I am pleased to sign these agreements to formalize the SFNF’s partnership with TWP, an important and up and coming conservation organization. TWP is already performing significant work here in New Mexico with Native communities. This agreement will augment our collective efforts in this regard,” Forest Supervisor Shaun Sanchez said.
The agreements will take effect Oct. 1, 2024.
Members of Trees, Water, People and Santa Fe National Forest. Courtesy/SFNF