GRACE AND DIRT

“Once you learn how to work you can do anything you put your mind to.”

A trade job for a woman can be a career, a summer job, a part-time job, a way to make sure your family has insurance, a second job, a college fund - financial stability, job experience, and self- esteem are worthy recommendations.

Karin and Jennifer - mother and daughter talk about their careers in the mill, and their relationships with each other, other women in the mill, and their machines.

Tanya discusses her career working in a mill and her hopes for her children's future.

“The more you do something, the better you get.”

Kanicee talks about her experience as a legacy employee in mill work and what it has taught her about herself and life.

Laura discusses how she came to work in a mill, and what she enjoys about her job.

Tonya discusses her journey as a forestry tech, and connections to the community.

“Don't depend on someone else to provide for you and don’t let social norms hold you back. Follow your passion, get a good education, and go for it.”

Halle works in the mill as a forklift driver and earns money for college - a degree in Health Care Administration.

Lacey is not afraid of hard work; she grew up working and she is proud of her success. In addition to her truck, she owns her own home and car and can pay her bills every month. “I get to choose,” she says. “I'm not trapped.”

Steve Wilent, discusses the U.S. Forest Service's deviation from the highest standard of conduct, the prompt response and directive from our interim chief, and how the U.S. Forest Service might make it's way back.

In the wake of PBS NewsHour's expose on sexual harassment in the U.S. Forest Service, and Wednesday’s resignation of Tony Tooke, Chief of the Forest Service - we have collected some questions and observations on the issue. The firestorm of misogyny is in full burn.

We are the stewards of our public lands and we have a responsibility to look at the entire picture; the science. It is time for proactive stewardship.