"We came to the Flathead because of the forests here," says Lorrie Woods, "They're a great resource, they always have been."
Nearly a century ago, Flathead residents relied on the forest to build houses and farms as well as for hunting and fishing.
"We're still doing that today," Woods explained, "Its a huge part of the economy in the Flathead."
Foresters like Lorrie Woods are trying to preserve the Flathead' rich history of forestry with events like the Family Forestry Expo. Since 1989 the expo has provided a hands on look at the tools that shaped the creation of towns and jobs in the area.
"We just saw that need to branch out and bring the forest to the people and the people to the forest," Woods said.
Crowds were entertained with forest tours, paper making, and even the chance to see FVCC's logging team put their mind to matter in several thrilling races. Woods says it's these events that truly educate the future stewards of the forest.
"We can't keep our healthy forest and keep our connection unless we provide that to these young kids. That's the whole emphasis of family forestry," said Woods.
An emphasis she hopes to see continue in the future - "Our lives really revolve around this forest today, even though it's 100 years later. And you'd think that we move away from it. We haven't at all. Very important part of our lives."
