U.S. Forest Service hosts visitors from the Jewish National Fund (Continued) Since 1987, the partnership has blossomed and expanded into a number of programs that have benefited both part- ners. The collaboration has led to the application of better land management practices on behalf of both agencies. Key areas of collaboration continue to be focused on an exchange of technical information, professional education, conservation education and research. U.S. Forest Service hosts visitors from the Jewish National Fund Both agencies are committed to forestry and watershed management and their mission statements match: JNF is Dave Steinke and Kate Jerman, U.S. Forest Service “caretaker of the land of on behalf of its owners, Jewish people everywhere,” while the USFS motto is “caring Israel experienced one of its worst fire seasons ever in 1987. Devastating blazes ravaged the forested corridor between for the land and serving people.” and . The U.S. Forest Service responded by sending a technical team to assess the damage and As the sole forestry agent in Israel, JNF planted 220 million trees in Israel during the 20th Century, making Israel the subsequently recommended future mitigation and management strategies. Thus, a cooperative exchange program only country on earth to end the century with more trees than when it began. After devoting a century to building between the Jewish National Fund/Keren Kayemeth Leisrael (KKL) and the U.S. Forest Service was born. forests and making the deserts of On Monday, October 28th the Rocky Mountain Region of the U.S. Forest Service, headed by Deputy Regional Forester Israel bloom, JNF is working to pro- Maribeth Gustafson, hosted a small group of international guests from Israel. They included Minister of the Environ- tect the forests from 21st Century ment, Amir Peretz; David Leffler, Director General from the Ministry of Environmental Protection; Efi Stenzler, the KKL- challenges such as fire, drought and JNF World Chairman; David Brand, the KKL Chief Forester and four other staff members. erosion. After a safety briefing about mountain driving and the effects of altitude, the delegation headed to the White River The Forest Service has supported National Forest. The quick roundtrip from Denver to Breckenridge featured discussions about water usage, wilderness, JNF programs for years. Annually, ski industry partnerships and lots of comparative discussion about U.S. and Israeli natural resource management. for example, foresters work closely Following a scenic gondola ride, with the communities on its Janu- lunch and an exchange of gifts were ary Tu B’Shevat program - “A Day in made at a mid-slope restaurant at the Forest.” The event is attended Breckenridge Resort, arranged by by thousands of people annually. Vail Resorts. The Jewish National Fund (JNF) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) share many of the same values and chal- lenges related to natural resource management. There are few partnerships between a govern- mental and non-governmental or- ganization that are as good a match Members of the group posed at the top of Loveland Pass and the Continental (Left to Right): Efi Stenzler, KKL-JNF as the unique 25-year relationship Divide. The elevation at the top of the pass is 11,990 feet. World Chairman; Maribeth Gus- between the USFS and Jewish (From Left to Right): David Leffler, Director General, Ministry of Environmental tafson, Deputy Regional Forester of National Fund. “The Rocky Moun- Protection; Efi Stenzler, KKL-JNF World Chairman; David Brand, KKL-JNF Chief Operations, Rocky Mountain Region, tain Region was honored to host Forester; Hadas Magen Molho, Head of International Relations for the Minister; U.S. Forest Service; Amir Peretz, Min- the Minister of the Environment of Jane Leche, Public Affairs, U.S. Forest Service; Maribeth Gustafson, Deputy Re- ister of the Environment of Israel. The gional Forester of Operations, U.S. Forest Service; Rene Reinhard, JNF Chief of three pose for a photo opportunity on From Left To Right (backrow): Chris Soriano, International Programs, US Forest Israel and members of the Jewish National Fund (JNF),” said Maribeth Staff;(back right) Chris Soriano, International Programs, U.S. Forest Service; Da- Peak 6 at Brekenridge ski resort (U.S. Service; -Marc Yeston, National Park Service; Heiko Bornhoff, Law Enforcement mian Rawoot, International Programs, U.S. Forest Service (U.S. Forest Service). Forest Service) & Investigation, U.S. Forest Service; Rene Reinhard, JNF Chief of Staff; David Gustafson, Deputy Regional Forester Brand, KKL-JNF Chief Forester; Efi Stenzler, KKL-JNF World Chairman; Amir of the Rocky Mountain Region. “The Peretz, Minister of the Environment for Israel; David Leffler, Director General, visit presented a unique opportunity Ministry of Environmental Protection; Gary Shimanowitz, Vail Resorts; Liat to compare information on similar Itzhak, North America Desk, KKL-JNF; Linda Hecker, Regional Interpreter, U.S. land-management challenges, as USDA Forest Service l Rocky Mountain Region Forest Service, Chris Strebig, Media Officer, U.S. Forest Service; Damian Ra- well as discover points of collabo- l woot, International Programs, U.S. Forest Service, (Front Row): Gili Shem Tov, Colorado: Arapaho Roosevelt NF & Pawnee NG Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, & Gunnison NFs ration. We eagerly look forward to l l l Advisor to the Minister; Hadas Magen Molho, Head of International Relations Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimmarron-Comanche NGs Rio Grande NF San Juan NF White River NF future opportunities to grow and Nebraska l South Dakota for the Minister; Maribeth Gustafson, Deputy Regional Forester of Operations, : Nebraska & Samuel R. McKelvie NFs : Black Hills NF learn in our work alongside our part- Wyoming l l U.S. Forest Service; Jane Leche, Public Affairs, U.S. Forest Service, Kate Jerman, : Bighorn NF Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG Shoshone NF ners at the JNF.” Public Affairs, U.S. Forest Service.(US Forest Service) More... www.fs.usda.gov/r2 USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer follow us