Teton Conservation District Established 1946 Implementing Stewardship Contracting Randy Williams, Executive Director Teton Conservation District

Invite diverse stakeholder participation for interested parties, determine viability for stewardship contracting, and if merited proceed with planning process. Conduct stewardship contracting mini-workshops in community settings for the general public (Cody, Thermopolis, Lander, Dubois, etc.). Determine lead entity to seek award of and to facilitate the Stewardship Contract or Stewardship Agreement. Identify a general watershed and/or ecological geographical area that may be refined with planning input.

Utilize existing USFS 5-Year Vegetation Management Plans, County Community Wildfire Protection Plans, WG&F/USFS/BLM and other Habitat Improvement plans (JIHI etc.). Consider water, range, noxious weed control, trail and road condition, and other known improvement information. Identify and prioritize opportunities within geographic areas given constraints of goods and services value balance, additional available funds and resources from agencies and organizations, available infrastructure to complete on-the-ground work, compliance with applicable regulations, community support, ability to conduct monitoring, and other considerations.

Review other stewardship contracts as templates for organizational structure, planning and implementation process, education and outreach, monitoring, and contract details. Reconcile differences in policies between Forest Regions. Address issues such as KV program budget “ownership” that may feel threatened within agency staff with “competition” from redirected funds previously attached to standard timber sales. Bring in resources such as Wyoming Business Council and developing technologies to assist private business in effectively conducting on-the-ground efforts.

P&M Signs Altree composite is made from whole trees and recycled milk jugs

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Remember to use a good dose of innovation when considering business models to accomplish forest improvements in economically viable fashion. Encourage value-added product processing near removal points for timber such as the log-sort-yard concept designed by the USFS Wood Products Lab. Maintain the balance of objectives with regard to goods/timber products and services/environmental enhancement needs.