PORTLAND — Sustainable Northwest (SNW), the Intertribal Timber Council (ITC), and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities announced a five-year, $1.7 million award to help Tribal nations across the country build new markets for wood that’s often left behind – small trees, brush, and low-grade logs that pile up as wildfire fuel instead of being put to use. The funding comes from the U.S. Endowment, which selected the SNW-ITC partnership as one of just five projects nationwide. “Indigenous forest management isn’t a side conversation. It’s the model,” said Cal Mukumoto, executive director of the Intertribal Timber Council. “This funding lets us build the business infrastructure that creates stable and expanding markets for small diameter and woody biomass. The work aligns with Tribal stewardship principles and priorities like reducing wildfire risk, restoring wildlife habitat, conserving clean water, supporting cultural forest resources, growing Tribal business, and more.”