About WFCA
Our Mission
to promote forest stewardship in western North America.
Our Objectives
Promote the science and practice of forestry for the sustainable production of goods, services and uses of forest resources.
Promote the dissemination of forestry research and technical information to those interested in the social, environmental and economic values of western forests.
Promote cooperation and understanding of management issues among federal, provincial and state governments, universities, forest-related industries and others with professional and technical involvement with forest resources.
Who We Are
Founded in 1909 to protect the Pacific Northwest timberlands from the threat of wildfire, WFCA promotes all aspects of sustainable forest stewardship in western North America through a wide variety of high-quality continuing education workshops, conferences, and field courses for natural resource professionals. It also disseminates forestry research and technical information, coordinates professional groups, and provides financial and administrative management for regional research and scientific cooperatives. WFCA is also affiliated with many forestry organizations. Read more about our history in our 115th anniversary newsletter.
Meet Our Team
Nicole has a BSc in Forest Management from the University of Washington, a Master of Natural Resource Management from the University of Idaho, a MSc in Soil Environmental Science from Virginia Tech, and a doctorate in Education from the Global Centre for Advanced Studies. Prior to WFCA, Nicole worked for the U.S. Forest Service, the Washington DNR, and the Department of Defense as an environmental scientist.
Nicole Jacobsen
Executive Director
Melinda is the Administrative Assistant for the Western Forestry and Conservation Association (WFCA). Melinda was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. She studied Graphic Design at the University of Idaho and has over 10 years of clerical and customer service experience. Prior to her current position Melinda worked as the counseling secretary at a local high school.
Melinda Olsen
Administrative Assistant
Erin Feeney joined WFCA in 2023 as Pathways Program Coordinator. She coordinates the Washington SFI Implementation Committee, the Women in Forest Management Group, and the Forest Sector Workforce Development Working Group.
Erin Feeney
Pathways Program Coordinator
Ruscena Wiederholt is an ecologist and science writer based in Baltimore. She helps with writing, design, website, and social media for WFCA. When not glued to her laptop, she likes traveling, dancing, and doing anything outdoors.
Ruscena Wiederholt
Outreach Assistant
Yiselle Montes De Oca is an accountant who has been working in the field for more than 7 years. She is passionate about traveling with her family to learn about the history of places, their culture and their gastronomy. She enjoys hiking, biking, going to the beach, and eating seafood. .
Yiselle Montes De Oca
Accountant
Hannah is an artist based in Portland, OR, with a bachelors degree from Western Oregon University in Art & Design. Her primary focuses are painting and photography, with a lot of subject matter being nature based. When she is not creating, she loves playing with her two kitties, spending time in nature, enjoying an iced coffee in a local coffee shop, and exploring the city.