Sustainable Northwest Champion Speaks

Economic issues frequently are not considered directly related to economic and social benefits, but that is clear in the achievements of J. Martin Goebel, president of Sustainable Northwest, who talks about his award-winning work at 6 p.m. this Thursday at the Museum.

Goebel’s passion for the last 25 years has been enabling people to change how they work with one another as well as how they work with the environment.

“It has taken some time and a lot of work by a lot of individuals, but many people now have an appreciation for how the health of communities is directly linked to the health of the environment, how the fate of our economic and social systems rests on the integrity of natural systems, and how enormous economic opportunity – including stability and equity for people – can result from working together to solve our biggest environmental challenges,” said Goebel.

For example, in Lakeview, Ore., Goebel helped to organize and facilitate a long-term management plan for 495,000 acres of the Fremont-Winema National Forest. Through the Lake County Resources Initiative, the community has embraced job creation and environmental conservation with a small-diameter log mill run by The Collins Companies and a biomass energy plant.

Sustainable Northwest of Portland brings people, ideas, and innovation together so that nature, local economies, and rural communities can thrive. “When the conditions are right in a community, it is amazing what a few courageous innovators can do with a small amount of resources,” says Goebel. “The key is creating the conditions that enable open and honest dialogue.”

The High Desert Museum chose Goebel for the 2010 Earle A. Chiles Award, recognizing his achievements in helping communities to restore and maintain ecological health, balance diverse interests, and promote economic opportunities in our region.

J. Martin Goebel, Sustainable Northwest, June 16, 6 pm
$3. Museum Members, free. RSVP: 541-382-4754 ext. 241