Forest Service plans new work program for contractors in 3 national forests

The change will allow contractors to invest in gear and train workers
[Oregon] A top Bush administration forestry official announced Wednesday that the Forest Service will try a new business model for contract work in federal forests to help prevent worker abuse and encourage investment in rural communities. The goal is to make forest management projects into long-term projects stretching as long as 10 years to allow contractors to invest in equipment and training for workers, and to allow them to build stronger ties to the community, Rey and other federal officials said. “What we’re trying to do with this new business model is see if we can respond to some of the problems that the current contracting system creates in terms of making it more difficult for local communities to participate,” Rey said.

News notes are courtesy of Southern Forests Network News Notes
www.southernsustainableforests.org