Stella’s Homestead worked with Northwest Management Inc to create a forest management plan. Additionally, we signed up for programs through the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service in Walla Walla. On February 11th Trevor Shea, Resource Conservationist came out to the farm to help advise on programs such as wildlife enhancement, vegetation management using mechanical and animal (goats). On February 14th, I found out he was laid off, along with colleague Ryan. Now there is only one person left in the Walla Walla Field Office, Bryce Kreuger, who will have to try and administer the few programs left with landowners like me. These programs were meant to minimize wildland fire in our forests, canyons, and protect our homes. Now what? When the fires come this summer we won’t have the staff or the vegetation management to counter fires.
— Cheryl Hansen
