Thanks to our wonderful partners REI and PWS Regional Citizen’s Advisory Council who have announced a commitment of additional funding for Chugach Children’s Forest programs into 2013. REI funding will support youth volunteerism and stewardship, including service learning projects with local schools working on public lands, as well as our extended expeditions into the Chugach National Forest. PWSRCAC has committed a fourth year of funding for the Marine Stewardship Expedition. In addition to funding for field trips and expedition travel, both REI and PWSRCAC also provide significant contributions of their staff expertise, equipment, and other resources to help make these programs possible and more accessible to local teens. Because of their support, we expect to reach an additional 750 youth contributing a cumulative of 5,000 service hours in 2013.