About Us

What is Forest Stewardship?

Forest stewardship is the engineering of healthy forests in an ecologically and environmentally responsible manner. Forest stand management is key to soil and water quality, wildlife habitat and the natural/aesthetic quality of the woods. Unhealthy stands lack resiliency, diversity and can lead to catastrophic fires resulting in poor soil productivity 

and an increased possibility of non-native species invasion. Stewardship West partners with various agencies by negotiating agreements and implementing contracts with qualified restoration specialists to carry out our mission of protecting the health and welfare of our forests for current and future generations. 

Our Keys to Success

  • Partners share mutual interests and mutual benefits

  • Collaborative effort between USFS, cooperator, and community

  • All parties contribute to the project

  • All project elements are negotiable

  • Utilization of Stewardship Agreements

  • Finding solutions for non-saw timber – a merchandising yard in Fairplay, Colorado

  • Protect watersheds, wildlife, recreation, and communities.

  • A team that is passionate about our mission

Stewardship Activities

Forest Health and Hazard Reduction

  • Removing vegetation and implementing strategies to promote healthy forest stands and reduce wildfire risks.

Wildlife and Fish Habitat Restoration

  • Restoring and maintaining habitats to support diverse wildlife and fish populations.

Watershed Restoration and Maintenance

  • Enhancing watershed health through targeted restoration and ongoing maintenance efforts.

Prescribed Fire Management

  • Setting controlled fires to reduce wildfire hazards and improve forest composition, structure, and health.

Road and Trail Management

  • Maintaining or removing roads and trails to protect and restore water quality.

Invasive Species Control and Native Plant Reestablishment

  • Controlling noxious and exotic weeds and reintroducing native plant species to support ecosystem balance.

Meet Our Team

  • Kevin Zeman

    PRESIDENT/CEO

  • Jennifer Baker

    CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

  • Jessica DeSotle

    HR & EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR

  • Stan Baker

    COLORADO PROJECT MANAGER

  • Luke Cherney

    COLORADO LEAD FORESTER

  • Taran Hieb

    CALIFORNIA LEAD FORESTER

  • Robert DeSotle

    DEPUTY DIRECTOR

  • Joseph Faryniarz

    Joseph Faryniarz

    CERTIFIED WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST

  • Madeline Ropp

    SOILS/HYDROLOGIST SPECIALIST

  • Meredith Baker

    GRAPHIC DESIGN/SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN

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Meet Our Board

  • Robert Abernethy

    CHAIRMAN

  • Dan Huttner

    VICE PRESIDENT

  • Mike Doescher

    SECRETARY

  • Rebecca Reed

    TREASURER