Hands on the Land is a collaborative effort
We work to enhance the conditions of the forest workforce in the Pacific Northwest. We focus on labor-intensive forest workers, for whom workplace safety may take different forms.
Hands on the Land re-envisions our forest workforce with:
- Safer working conditions
- Well-paying jobs
- Increased entrepreneurial capacity
- Increased representation in decision making
- Solidarity across all demographics
We provide resources, narratives and information to help realize this vision.
Whose hands are on the land?
Understanding the forest and fire stewardship economy in the Northwest
We aim to uplift working conditions for all segments of the workforce. The Latine workforce has a history in reforestation. They often worked as tree planters and forestry services workers known as pineros.
Today, they continue to improve forest resiliency and reduce wildfire risk. Labor-intensive activities can include:
- Cutting trees
- Clearing brush
- Tree planting
- Removing noxious weeds
- Implementing prescribed fire
- Responding to wildfire incidents
The Latine forest workforce now represents the majority of forest service workers. These workers include:
- Native-born and naturalized U.S. citizens
- Multi-generational U.S. residents and business owners
- H-2B visa workers
State and federal agencies depend on this workforce. In these employment activities, forest workers can face:
- Unsafe working conditions
- Wage theft
- Violations of worker rights
- Limited opportunity for business advancement
- Lack of recognition in decision-making
These workers’ hands are on the land — while policymakers, funders and researchers act far from the woods. Hands on the Land supports and informs engagement between workers, practitioners and researchers.
Funded by The United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (Grant #2025-68012-44234)