On Wednesday, Sept. 20, the Pinchot Partners, a forest collaborative, will celebrate its 20-year anniversary from 6 to 8 p.m. at Longmire Springs Brewing in Packwood.
The organization is based in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest’s northern division, headquartered in Randle, the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. The group is a collaborative with representatives from the U.S. Forest Service staff, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Cascade Forest Conservancy, the Department of Natural Resources, the timber industry and East Lewis County residents.
Its goal is to find common ground between the often-contradicting ambitions of these groups. The 20-year anniversary celebration Wednesday will include door prizes, educational displays, cake, and food and drinks available for purchase.
Longmire Springs Brewing, Packwood’s newest brew and food venue, is located at 112 Normal Way, Packwood.
Three of the group’s original members — Bob Guenther, Bill Little and John Squires — are still with the group and will be recognized at the celebration.
The nonprofit has been involved in restoration thinning to mitigate fire, enhancing habitat, providing jobs, enhancing riparian reserve, restoring huckleberry growth and more.
“If you’re interested to know more about what we do, come to the event,” said executive director Janene Ritchie in an email. “Meet the board, watch a short documentary on our history, and hear what we have in store for the next 20 years.”
Learn more at www.pinchotpartners.org.
