Partnerships valued
<p class="p1">From conservation education to natural resource management, the power of working with various organizations and agencies to achieve mutually beneficial goals is incredibly vital. </p><p class="p3">The Shawnee National Forest is dedicated to working with partners and developing new partnerships as such connections help in many ways. </p><p class="p3">For example, partnerships in land stewardship reflect a growing and important trend: the joining of passion and resources by committed citizens, organizations and government agencies to achieve social, economic and ecological goals. </p><p class="p3">The U.S. Forest Service, USFS, has worked with partners throughout its 100-year history as each help to improve and maintain recreation areas, improve watersheds, care for wilderness areas and achieve sustainable stewardship of our forests in different and invaluable ways. </p><p class="p3">Partnerships also involve collaboration between the USFS, nonprofits, other government agencies, local community interest groups, foundations and even individuals. </p><p class="p3">Such cooperative opportunities also provide leadership, coordination and assistance in helping employees and other partners build capacity to work together. </p><p class="p3">With a goal of continued success in the area of partnership development, the Shawnee National Forest is committed to working with people like you to help us develop a shared vision and common goals for taking care of the forest. Come join us.</p><p class="p3">Visit the national Partnership Resource Center (operated by the U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation website) for more information: http://www.partnershipresourcecenter.org. </p><p class="p3">This site, including its Partnership Guide, is the main resource for partnering with the USFS. If you are interested in becoming a partner with the Shawnee National Forest, contact 618-253-7114 to be connected with the appropriate staff.</p><p class="p3">(Editor's note: Sue Hirsch is the Shawnee National Forest's public affairs specialist and conservation education coordinator.)</p>