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National Forest Foundation

THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION

SKI CONSERVATION FUND:

Celebrating 10 Years of Giving Back

BY MARLEE OSTHEIMER, NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION PHILANTHROPY & PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR

THE WINTER OF 2017 marks the 10th year of forest restoration match from the NFF on every dollar donated to the Ski
projects funded by the National Forest Foundation’s (NFF) Conservation Fund, the actual value of restoration accom-
Ski Conservation and Forest Stewardship Funds. Since their plished through these programs increases to an incredible
2007 inception, these programs have funneled more than $8 $21 million.
million into 165 critical conservation projects on National The funds do more than simply restore our National
Forests across the country. Forests. Because we grant the money to local conservation
A partnership between the NFF, Forest Service, ski groups, the programs also strengthen local capacity for stew-
resorts, and other local businesses, the funds support ardship and conservation. In many locations, these funds are
projects that improve forest health and recreation projects on an integral source of support for community-based steward-
heavily visited National Forests while strengthening com- ship. In 2016 alone, guests contributed more than $704,000!
munity-based conservation. We are thankful for all of the The NFF will grant these funds to nonprofit organizations
businesses and their guests and patrons who have made local to the area where the funds were collected.
these programs such a success. Join us as we thank our resort
partners and celebrate their decade of impact on America’s Truly a Win-Win-Win
National Forests! By leveraging small donations with additional money and
in-kind and volunteer support, our Stewardship Fund
How It Works programs highlight how nonprofits, businesses, and indi-
From Alaska to New Hampshire, our National Forests viduals can partner with the Forest Service to steward
offer amazing skiing and riding. In fact, roughly half our public lands. Our grantees appreciate a stable and
of all skier visits in the US happen at resorts located on reliable source of funding that allows them to recruit vol-
National Forests—from world-class destinations to mom- unteers and engage local citizens in worthwhile restoration
and-pop operations. The Ski Conservation Fund provides projects. And resort partners love the fact that their guests
a way for these resorts to engage their guests in steward- have some ownership in protecting the landscape of the
ship of the forest where the resort is located. Realizing that surrounding National Forest that serves as a draw for so
non-skiing businesses also benefit from, and want to give many of their patrons.
back to, their local forest, we later introduced the Forest Sha Miklas, the senior manager of guest services and
Stewardship Fund. sustainability at Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort, Colo., likes how
By making a small (usually $1) donation on top of a the program connects Arapahoe’s guests with the White
room night, lift ticket, jeep tour, or other purchase, guests River National Forest. “Not only does the NFF help ensure
and patrons of businesses participating in the programs the natural beauty of Arapahoe Basin, but it serves as a
make a big impact. With in-kind and monetary leverage conversation starter with our guests, Miklas said. “Our part-
from our grantees and the Forest Service and a 50 cent nership with the NFF provides us an opportunity to talk

50 | NSAA JOURNAL | CONVENTION 2017