The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act provides $8.25 million for forest conservation efforts around Mt. Adams.  The appropriation pays for phase 1 of the project, which will conserve 6,378 acres of forests surrounding the town of Trout Lake.  Washington U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s Office says the project will support one of the state’s last thriving forestry workforces, supplying 1,409 jobs and feeding three local mills that alone support 300 jobs.  The conservation easement will also protect drinking water supply for Trout Lake and critical habitat for fish and wildlife while securing public recreation access.  The grant comes from the Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program, which ia administered in partnership with state agencies to protect privately owned conservation easements or land purchases.