The Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition (RVCC) recently returned from Washington D.C. after a successful trip to our nations' capital.  Eighteen rural community forestry advocates from six states advanced our policy platform on: federal investment in restoration and sustainable community development, biomass utilization, private lands issues (land conversion and community owned/managed forests), and containing the cost of wildfire management. 

Participants also worked on issues related to stewardship contracting, and protection of forest workers and enforcement of labor laws. The trip was action packed and participants attended approximately 50 meetings with congressional staff and members, administration officials and key interest groups.

The RVCC, coordinated by the Sustainable Northwest Policy Program, has been traveling to Washington D.C. each year since 2001. During these trips coalition members build relationships and strengthen our reputation as a solution oriented group committed to solving the ecological and economic challenges facing communities in the West. 

Participants advanced the RVCC's policy priorities by distributing our 2008 Issue Papers and providing feedback on specific legislative ideas and how they will impact rural communities and work done on the ground.  Members enjoyed engaging in dialogue with each other and with policy makers. To learn more, visit the RVCC Western Week in Washington photo blog.