Trees Foundation is proud to announce that our regional collaborative, The Rural Resilience Partnership, has been selected as a Catalyst Fund recipient through the regional Redwood Region RISE (Resilient Inclusive Sustainable Economy) initiative. Our project, Career Pathways: Fire, Forest, Fish, and Facilities, has been selected to receive over 1.1 million dollars to support the development of local jobs in the restoration economy.

About Our Project

Project Lead: Trees Foundation 

Collaborators: Mid Klamath Watershed Council, Mattole Restoration Council, Mattole Salmon Group, Mattole Valley Community Center, Native Health in Native Hands, Northern California Indian Development Council, Northern Mendocino Ecosystem Recovery Alliance, Southern Humboldt Fire & Rescue, Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance.

The Career Pathways project by the Rural Resilience Partnership unites ten organizations to create improved pathways to sustainable jobs in forestry, fire suppression, and restoration across the Redwood Region. By establishing local training hubs in three counties, it aims to provide accessible, paid certification programs, internships, and workforce development opportunities, prioritizing underserved communities, including Native and rural residents. Find out more at: ccrp.humboldt.edu (Redwood Region RISE under the “major initiatives” tab)

Our project is part of a $9 million regional investment to boost inclusive, sustainable economic development throughout the Redwood Region, encompassing Tribal Lands, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino Counties. This funding will support pre-development work that aligns with RRRISE’s 10-year Regional Roadmap.

The Catalyst Fund represents a key investment in the future of the Redwood Region’s rural economies. Our project is one of several selected initiatives that will leverage key industry sectors and foster inclusive economic development and quality job growth across the region. As a Catalyst Awardee, our project focuses on the Working Lands and Blue Economy sector identified in the RRRISE Regional Roadmap.

Trees Foundation extends our gratitude to the Redwood Region RISE Collaborative and its 150+ member organizations, and the California Jobs First state team, for making this funding opportunity possible. Through the California Jobs First initiative, Redwood Region RISE is helping our region build a more inclusive, resilient economy—aligned with the broader vision of a California where every community prospers in a sustainable, innovative economy and every individual can lead a healthy, high-quality life.

This funding opportunity demonstrates the power of regional collaboration and the shared vision of creating a Redwood Region where everyone belongs, with stable jobs, accessible healthcare, and a flourishing natural environment.