This outreach of interest (OOI) functions as an outreach mechanism to cultivate relationships and connect with potential partners.

This OOI is intended to solicit responses to explore future projects meeting the needs and interests of potential partners through partnership agreements within legislative

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authority with USDA Forest Service.

USDA Forest Service is looking seeking assistance in the protection and management of significant cultural resources on public lands through its Heritage Program.

This initiative aims to foster co-stewardship between USDA Forest Service, and historic preservation focused partners to assist the agency to manage, preserve and share our history for public enjoyment and professional use.

The agency works with other land management agencies, local communities, interested publics, and Tribes to ensure agency actions address cultural sensitivities and priorities.

Your submission signals an opportunity for USDA Forest Service to explore with you your ideas/projects/programs and federal funding opportunities.

USDA Forest Service is committed to fostering a strong, collaborative partnership that benefits heritage resources and improves cooperation and consultation with State Historic Preservation Offices, Tribal Governments, and the public.

These collaborations are vital for not only the preservation and management of cultural resources, but also assist in helping the agency manage healthy forests through the incorporation of traditional and historical knowledge into modern management decisions.

USDA Forest Service seeks to actively involve potential partner programs in heritage program efforts by providing support and guidance to program participants, sharing successful working models, and assisting with agreements that include help the agency promote historic preservation, cultural awareness and advancing the heritage program.

The USDA Forest Service manages 277,000 known heritage sites, with hundreds more documented each year.

To adequately identify, evaluate, maintain, preserve, and protect these sites, the agency hires professional specialists responsible for the oversight and upkeep of these sites.

Opportunities for partnership participation include the documentation, evaluation, recording and rehabilitation of these sites using both non-USDA Forest Service professional specialists, and through assistance from the public (non-professional).Nationwide, the workload for heritage program activities exceeds capacity.

Partnerships benefit the agency by increasing capacity, engaging community members and cultivating a vested interest in long term success and shared “ownership” in final outcomes.

They also provide opportunities for job training, personal development, conservation service, and natural and cultural resource appreciation while cultivating the next generation of natural resource stewards.