A the the recent LEAF Conference, led by Sierra Jobs First Industry Sector Coordinators at Motherlode Job Training, Amanda Coats, Executive Director of CHIPS Forestry, lead applicants for the Sierra Jobs First catalyst project, CHIPS Expansion, shares how CHIPS is building healthier forests and stronger communities across the Sierra Nevada.
As a Native-led nonprofit, CHIPS blends traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with modern forestry practices to advance forest health, wildfire resilience, and rural workforce development—with a strong focus on uplifting Native American communities. Amanda walks through CHIPS’ mission, history, and on-the-ground work, including fuels reduction, cultural burning, biomass utilization, trail and habitat restoration, and paid workforce training. She highlights key partnerships with tribal nations, the U.S. Forest Service, CalFire, workforce agencies, community colleges, and the Sierra Jobs First initiative, including a recent six-month fuels reduction project with the California Tahoe Conservancy and a sponsored wildfire cohort at Columbia College that offers paid training, internships, and housing support. The session closes with an engaging Q&A covering:
- How CHIPS partners with tribes, fire safe councils, and federal agencies
- How they operate as a mission-driven nonprofit contractor
- Their approach to supporting justice-involved and barrier-facing workers
- Amanda’s vision for CHIPS’ future: expanding crews, deepening tribal partnerships, and creating more long-term career pathways in natural resources
Together with its partners, CHIPS is working to restore forests, uplift Native communities, and build a more resilient Sierra Nevada. Hosted by Mother Lode Job Training (MLJT) and the Central Sierra Economic Development District (CSEDD), the LEAF Conference is part of the California Jobs First Initiative and designed to highlight innovation and partnership across land, energy, agriculture and forestry sectors.