Forests’ vital role in solving our existential climate crisis was front and center at Forest Fete 2019, the premier social event for the forest community in the West. Held April 10th at the City Club of San Francisco, it was a lively celebration of our work in partnership with forest landowners, activists of all ages, committed companies, and policy leaders from California and Oregon.
We are grateful to our dedicated supporters and partners who made it a memorable evening and support our work to make sure forests are a major climate solution.
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Videos from the event
HONOREES
Outside-the-Box Award Honoree
Senator Michael Dembrow
Oregon Senator Michael Dembrow (District 23, Portland) is Chair of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee and Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Carbon Reduction. As a champion for the role of working forests in climate legislation and an advocate for cap-and-invest policies, Senator Dembrow has worked for years to ensure that climate policy is a central priority for Oregon’s lawmakers.
Outside-the-Box Award Honoree
Representative Ken Helm
Oregon Representative Ken Helm (District 34, Washington County) is Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Environment. A land use attorney and Oregon native, Representative Helm has spent his career working to grow the state’s economy and create jobs while preserving natural and working lands. He co-chaired the Joint Committee on Carbon Reduction in 2018, championing the inclusion of forests and land conservation and management for their climate and rural community benefits.
Forest Champion Award Honoree
Michigan-California Timber Company
An affiliate of Timber Products, the Michigan-California Timber Company (MCTC) responsibly manages about 114,800 acres of forest land in northern California. With forest practices that have been certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) for 15 years, their forest management reflects their care for not only timber, but also for wildlife, water resources, and the entire ecosystem.
In December 2018, MCTC partnered with PFT and CAL FIRE to protect the iconic 5,006-acre Black Butte Working Forest just outside Weed, California through a permanent conservation easement that will guide management to ensure a resilient, diverse, and healthy forest—forever. This project exemplifies the investments being made by California with funds from cap-and-trade revenues to help landowners manage forests for climate resiliency, prevent development in the wildlands, and protect nearby communities.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Kelsey Juliana
A dedicated climate activist since age 10, Kelsey Juliana represents the YouthvGov.org work of nonprofit organization Our Children’s Trust. Along with 20 other young Americans in 2015, she filed a Constitutional climate change lawsuit, Juliana v. United States, through which youth are seeking to establish a legal right to a safe climate and healthy atmosphere for all current and future generations. She has been an organizer, a trainer, and a public speaker throughout the US and internationally. Kelsey, a native of Eugene, Oregon, is an undergraduate at the University of Oregon studying social sciences and non-profit management.
DOUGLAS FIR SPONSORS
BBW & Associates
Bluesource
Bordeaux Wealth Advisors
Campbell Global
Crystal Geyser Water Company
Robert and Suzi Given
Humboldt and Mendocino Redwood Companies
The Lyme Timber Company
Port Blakely
Red River Forests LLC
SCS Global Services
WM Beaty & Associates
Live Auction Preview: A Walk in the Woods with Jerry Franklin
In our live auction at this year’s Fete, attendees bid on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a walk in the woods with renowned forestry expert Dr. Jerry Franklin. Dr. Franklin, called “the father of new forestry” (and a self-described “provocateur”), will lead the winner on a tour of a majestic old-growth forest near Portland, Oregon. The winner will return to Portland for a relaxing hotel stay and a chance to explore the city’s local restaurant scene with a gift package from Toro Bravo restaurant group, as well as a signed copy of Dr. Franklin’s recently published book Ecological Forest Management. Roundtrip airfare for two to Portland is included in this package.
The only forest ecologist in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and an author of groundbreaking books on forest ecology, Dr. Franklin has received the Heinz Award for the Environment, the Eminent Ecologist Award from the Ecological Society of America, and the Pinchot Medallion from the Pinchot Institute for Conservation.
The package up for bid includes roundtrip airfare for two to Portland, a hotel stay, a gift certificate package from Toro Bravo Restaurant Group, a guided tour with Jerry Franklin, and a signed copy of Dr. Franklin’s book, Ecological Forest Management. Restaurant certificates must be used by April 10, 2020. More details to be announced.
Live Auction Preview: A Taste of Marin
From stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay to charming storefronts in Sausalito, Marin County is the perfect place for a getaway weekend. You’ll enjoy a stay at the luxury Inn Above Tide, where you can spend an evening relaxing by the fireplace or taking in a sweeping view of the bay from your private deck. As part of your stay, you’ll receive complimentary breakfast and the chance to indulge in a sunset wine and cheese reception. To truly experience the history, charm, and adventure of the area, you’ll take a walking tour of Sausalito with the Inn’s owner, Kass Green, and explore the bay in a kayak or paddleboard with SeaTrek.
To complete the adventure, this package features a tour of the historic Straus Home Ranch, a 166-acre certified organic working farm. You’ll learn about Marin’s history of organic agriculture and conservation, experience a local artisan cheese tasting, and—of course—meet the cows. After your tour, enjoy a delicious dinner at Nick’s Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar, a Tomales Bay favorite that boasts award-winning cuisine made with local Marin ingredients.
The package up for bid includes a one-night stay at Inn Above Tide in Sausalito, a walking tour with Kass Green, a kayak or paddleboard rental from SeaTrek, and tickets for a tour and tasting at Straus Home Ranch. Hotel stay must be booked November 1, 2019 through March 31, 2020.
Live Auction Preview: California Ski Adventure
This is a dream package for the avid skier. With a Ski California Gold Pass, the ultimate and most exclusive pass to skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing in California and Nevada, you’ll spend the season exploring 32 of the best ski resorts in the West. This package also includes a custom-made pair of Praxis skis with Tyrolia bindings – choose from any Praxis models to build your skis! And to complete the mountain adventure, you’ll spend two nights relaxing at the sustainably built Cedar House Sport Hotel, an eco-luxury hotel in Truckee with prime access to Tahoe’s beautiful ski resorts.
Gold Pass is valid for the entire 2019-20 ski season. Order custom skis before October 31, 2019. Hotel stay expires April 10, 2020. Final dates subject to confirmation.
Live Auction Preview: Luxury Mendocino Retreat
The opportunities for beautiful views, outdoor adventures, and relaxation are endless on the Mendocino County coastline. Nestled in a private, quiet valley on one of the most pristine stretches of the Mendocino coast, you will enjoy a stay at Oz Farm and Retreat Center. More than half of Oz Farm’s 240 acres are made up of second growth Redwood and Fir forest and are protected by a conservation easement held by PFT! Amidst the redwoods, you will enjoy a private cidery tour, cider tasting, and gift package.
From Oz Farm, you’ll head up the coast and relax with a stay at Stanford Inn by the Sea, a premier plant-based eco-lodge and retreat center. At this haven overlooking Mendocino Bay, you will enjoy dinner at the award-winning Ravens’ Restaurant, experience the surrounding natural beauty by bike or canoe, and join a yoga class or relax at the pool, spa, or sauna. To top it off, you’ll have the chance to play a round of golf at the breathtaking Little River Inn golf course, an Audubon-certified sanctuary.
The package up for bid includes a two-night stay and private cidery tour with tasting at Oz Farm, a two-night stay with breakfast and dinner at Stanford Inn by the Sea, and a round of golf for two at Little River Inn. Golf must be booked by April 1, 2020; stay at Stanford Inn must be booked by April 30, 2020.
Live Auction Preview: Ashland Experience
Situated at the convergence of the Cascade and Siskiyou mountains, the beautiful natural scenery of Ashland serves as the perfect backdrop for the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, a longtime theater company inspired by Shakespeare’s work and the cultural richness of the United States. After taking in a show, you’ll have the chance to explore the vibrant culture of Ashland and enjoy a meal at Larks Restaurant, which offers a unique menu of plates made with fresh and local ingredients. A stay at the luxurious and peaceful Lithia Springs Resort, home to curative springs rich in minerals to help the body heal and relieve stress, will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
And a trip to Ashland wouldn’t be complete without a hike in the beautiful Cascade Siskiyou National Monument! You’ll join experts from Friends of CSNM and Klamath Bird Observatory for a chance to experience the beautiful vistas and unique biodiversity of the monument, which is home to more than 3,500 species.
The package up for bid includes a one-night stay at Lithia Springs Resort, a gift certificate to Larks Restaurant, two tickets to Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and a guided hike in Cascade Siskiyou National Monument. Theater tickets must be booked by October 27, 2019. Hotel stay must be booked by March 31, 2020.
Watch this space for more live auction item previews as Forest Fete approaches!
Live Auction Preview: Inside PFT Experience
There are few places on Earth that can truly be described as magical—but Butte Creek is one of them. On this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a PFT conservation easement, you will journey up to McCloud to tour the beautiful Butte Creek property with a scientific expert. This working cattle ranch is rich with wildlife, breathtaking views, enchanting wildflower-filled meadows, and of course, gorgeous forested lands! As part of this true behind-the-scenes experience, you will also have the chance to spend the night on this property.
The next day, you’ll enjoy lunch at Clearwater Coffee and Kitchen and explore the storied history of McCloud, where opportunities for hikes, fly fishing, and outdoor fun abound! You’ll finish the day with a delicious dinner at McCloud Meat Market and tranquil stay at the historic McCloud River Mercantile Hotel, winner of the 2017 Preservation Design Rehabilitation Award.
The package up for bid includes a tour of a property protected by a conservation easement held by PFT, a one-night stay at Butte Creek Ranch, dinner for two at McCloud Meat Market, a one-night stay with complimentary breakfast at the McCloud River Mercantile Hotel, and a gift certificate to Clearwater Coffee. The stay at the Mercantile must be booked by first week of May.
Host Committee
Ivan Samuels, Chair
Bob Barrett and Linda Atkinson
Rhonda Bennon
The Reverend Canon Sally G. Bingham
John and Patty Brissenden
Terry Gamble Boyer
The Honorable Wesley Chesbro and Cindy Chesbro
Robert and Suzi Given
Susan Pritzker
Walter and Jeanne Sedgwick
Frances Spivy-Weber
Connie Stewart
Gottfried and Janet Tittiger
Honorary Committee
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
Congressman Jared Huffman
Assemblymember Richard Bloom
Assemblymember Marc Levine
State Senator Mike McGuire
Assemblymember Jim Wood
Become a Sponsor
Your support for Pacific Forest Trust through attending or sponsoring Forest Fete has two important effects: first, it helps PFT do our work to protect forests and those who depend on them; second, it increases your visibility with leaders in forestry, water policy, academia, climate action, sustainability, and environmental advocacy.
Sponsor Forest Fete online here, or download our sponsor form to send in your sponsorship commitment by mail. Or simply make a donation to support our work.
For more information, contact us at 415-561-0700, ext. 11 or give@pacificforest.org.