About WFCA
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. We also disseminate forestry research and technical information, coordinate professional groups, and provide financial and administrative management for regional research and scientific cooperatives.
WFCA is currently affiliated with many forestry organizations.
Our Mission
To promote forest stewardship in Western North America through the following 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.
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.
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 Olson
Administrative Assistant
Erin Feeney joined WFCA in 2023 as Pathways Program Coordinator. She supports events and coordinates the Washington SFI Implementation Committee and the Forest Sector Workforce Development Working Group. She recently went back to school for two AAS degrees in Natural Resources and Wildland Fire.