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Urban Connections Program Today
Brought to you by the Eastern Region
Program OverviewWhat: Urban Connections is a highly visible and successful program started by the Eastern Region in 1999 as a way to connect with urban stakeholders.
Why: Extensive research demonstrated that a large gap existed between the Forest Service and urban constituents.
Who: Urban Connections focuses on non local stakeholders, to include underserved urban constituentsWhere: The program has been launched in Boston, Minneapolis and Detroit, with exploratory work occurring in other Eastern Region cities such as Chicago and New York.. Bridging the
gap between rural
communities and city dwellers
A simple message ! Increase awareness and share information
regarding National Forest activities and opportunities with the urban residents that use or could use the forest.
Increase the awareness and understanding the Forest Service has for its urban constituents, and involve them in new ways with the Forest.
Expand employment opportunities for our urban neighbors.
Coordinate efforts with all Forest Service branches
The Missing Stakeholders
On the GroundLocal Communities
National
Non-LocalUrban
Gateway to the Forest Service for the Urban Audience in the East Networking in cities to link shared
interests Relevancy through dialogue Creating healthier environments
through partnerships Building capacity for diverse hiring
Urban Connections…..”Connecting Citizens to the Land”
Milwaukee
Organizational Structure of the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region Urban Connections Program
Public and Government Relations Director
Urban Connections Program Manager
STEP Intern
STEP Intern
(High School)
STEP Intern
(High School)
STEP Intern
(High School)
Detroit Program Manager
Boston Program Manager
STEP Intern STEP Intern
Minneapolis Program Manager
RETIREE MENTOR
RETIREE MENTOR
RETIREE MENTOR
Milwaukee outreach
team
Chicago outreach
team
“Planting Small seeds grows big opportunities”
Measuring Success
1. Increased visibility and awareness of the Forest Service, Eastern region
2. Partnerships with Communities w/ Increased ability to leverage funds in communities
3. Constituent Information and Involvement Increased knowledge among urban residents
about the responsible use of natural resources 4. Stewardship of Forests 5. Forest Service’s Organizational Effectiveness
Partnerships / Collaborations
National Football League - - - Carbon Neutral
Strive Media – Diversity through Media Greenfield Village- - Conservation Education Microsoft - - -FS in every classroom Wildlife Forever –Renewable Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AND YOU !
WEBSITEhttp://www.fs.fed.us/r9/
urban_connections/ ARLENE WHITE
TWIN CITIES URBAN CONNECTIONS COORDINATOR1992 FOLWELL AVE., ST. PAUL, MN 55108
