Planting the Seeds of Stewardship: Exploring Forestry Careers with LTCC

Who Will Shape the Future of Our Forests?
With the current Administration’s push for aggressive wildfire fuel reduction—embodied in the “Fix Our Forest” Act passed in January—and in the wake of significant funding and workforce reductions at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), it’s clear that the forest care industry is at a crossroads. The question arises: if not the USFS, then who will coordinate the monumental task of restoring our forests to their former vitality, reminiscent of pre-Euro-American times? The answer, though unconventional, may lie with existing partners—state, county, private, public, nonprofit, and tribal entities.

These organizations already play a vital role in forest stewardship, often possessing deep local expertise. However, while they may excel in specific areas, they often lack the comprehensive experience and resources to fully assume the USFS’s traditional responsibilities. A major obstacle remains: workforce capacity. Federal agencies and partners alike recognize that achieving the ambitious goal of treating 1 million acres of California forest annually requires a robust and skilled workforce.
 
Currently, the United States sees approximately 6,000 forestry professionals retire or leave the field each year, while only a handful of specialized programs exist to prepare new students both academically and practically. Fortunately, Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) in South Lake Tahoe is helping to bridge this gap through its Forestry Education and Job Placement Program. 
 
Edric Alvarez, the SPF South Shore Program Manager, is currently involved in this very program and professes the value he is getting out of it. This training not only benefits our organization, it also is propelling Edric’s career and inspiring his passion.

Investing in the Next Generation of Forest Stewards
Alondra Gomez, Student Support Coordinator for the Forestry Program at LTCC, shared insights into the program’s mission:
 
“The Lake Tahoe Community College Forestry Program offers comprehensive training designed to equip students with the technical skills needed for careers in forestry, fire management, or natural resource management. LTCC offers an Associate of Science in Forestry, transferable to four-year universities, as well as Certificates of Achievement and Foundation Skills Certificates to help students gain employable skills.

Thanks to funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge—managed by the Foundation for California Community Colleges—LTCC can provide students with essential resources like work boots, transportation support, and reliable internet access. These wrap-around services eliminate barriers and expand opportunities for both forestry and fire academy students. Our programs don’t just help students develop skills or transfer to universities—they prepare them to enter the workforce and secure rewarding jobs that protect the lands we all cherish. If you’re interested in a future in forestry, check out LTCC’s program and see if the woods are calling you!”

Diverse Career Pathways and Community Partnerships
Graduates of LTCC’s program have a wide range of career options, including timber production, firefighting and fire management, biological surveying, and reforestation—yes, even planting trees! The college’s internship program provides students with invaluable hands-on experience while advancing their academic goals. The Sugar Pine Foundation is proud to partner with LTCC, hosting interns and supporting their growth as future stewards of our forests.