Forest Gatherings

Unleashing the Powers of Connection and Collaboration for Equitable and Sustainable Forest Stewardship

  • Connecting

    An immersive experience where decision-makers meet and camp out with locals. Hosted by the Tribe whose place we are visiting, all participants meet as people first and build relationships built on personal connection, instead of titles and politics. Our goal is to catalyze perpetual, cross-sector, cross-generational relationships that bridge differences and equalize influence.

  • Collaborating

    Every Forest Gathering includes a modest restoration project. Projects are structured in a manner that centers equity by starting with the Tribal knowledge and expertise about the place and then inviting learning and collaboration as the project unfolds. The collaborative effort is instructive, offers an example of the potential for small collaborative actions to have big impacts, and expands the fabric of relationships within the group.

  • Engaging

    Each gathering concludes with a policy discussion where locals sit as equals at the table with decision makers and contemplate the policy implications of the experience they shared. Participants are also invited to identify new collaborations they would like to pursue based on the new relationships and connections made during the Forest Gathering.

Forest Gatherings are invitation only. The invitation lists are developed by the planning team for each event. Participation is limited to 100 people and divided roughly between local leaders and state and federal leaders. We do have volunteer opportunities. Please contact Angelica Dowell for more information.

Upcoming Forest Gatherings

Bull Creek Forest Gathering

Spring 2024

For event registration and information, please email Angelica Dowell

WSN Forest Gatherings are made possible by funding from the California Department of Conservation and the US Forest Service.

“When we work together, wonderous things can emerge.”

Klamath Gathering Participant

"Most Californians have become aware of the deterioration of our forests and the more than 100 million dead trees. However, few understand the shared consequences to our rural and urban communities. These locally based exchanges are the best way to build understanding and a strategy to save our state's watersheds."  

Lester Snow, Former CNRA Secretary and WSN Advisory Council Member

“Getting a first-hand look at California's stressed upper watersheds, from the locals and scientists who know the land best, was a revelatory experience that has fundamentally reshaped how the Bay Area Council views California's water management challenges.”

Adrian Covert, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Bay Area Council

"I was able to interact with colleagues on a more human level, it gave us a chance to find common interests and concerns.” 

SoCal Oak Woodlands Forest Gathering Participant

Previous Forest Gatherings

Southern California Oak Woodlands Forest Gathering

Fall 2023

Hosted by the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians at their campground and co-convened by the Tribe, RCD of Greater San Diego, California Department of Conservation, U.S. Forest Service, California State Parks, and the Water Solutions Network.

Trina Cunningham

Genesee Valley Gathering

Summer 2017

Genesee Valley was the inaugural Forest Gathering. The first Forest Gathering was initiated by Trina Cunningham (Cohort 5 alumna), a Mountain Maidu community member and statewide land and water leader. Trina wanted to bring decision makers to her home to share Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and encourage broader engagement between Tribes and decision makers. In addition to Trina, the Forest Gathering planning team included the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, Plumas County, and Plumas National Forest. Private property owners offered their place for the group to gather. The event was sponsored by Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Mooretown Rancheria, Palmaz Vineyards, and Traditional Lifeways

Klamath Restoration Gathering

Summer 2018

Word spread about the Genesee Valley Forest Gathering and with it, the demand for another Gathering. The Karuk Tribe agreed to host the 2nd Gathering. Bill Tripp served as the liaison to the Tribe. Bill was Deputy Director of Eco-cultural Revitalization for the Tribe at the time. In addition to the Karuk Tribe, the planning team included the US Forest Service, the Mid Klamath Watershed Council via the Yellow Chair Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, and the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.