Winning projects were selected from nearly 200 applications. Preserving our communities' natural heritage is crucial to preserving our sense of community. With partnership and community education as the cornerstone, Five Star Restoration projects seek to foster natural resources stewardship in the community.
Many projects involve young people.
In Washington State, the Methow Summer Restoration Team Project will match high school students with experienced restoration professionals to form a summer restoration crew that will complete a range of activities in the Methow watershed. The Okanogan County Job Corps, Methow Natives, Pacific Watershed Institute, the Methow Valley School District and other government and non-profit organizations are involved. Other projects involve a broad cross section of community participants such as landowners, schools and volunteers in restoration activities. For example, the Elk Creek Restoration Project in Lewis and Clark County, Mont., involves a large community education component. As part of the project, ranchers and landowners will be educated on long-term grazing management techniques to protect Elk Creek.