RMFI RESPONSE, MARCH 25: COVID-19

RMFI RESPONSE, MARCH 25: COVID-19

March 25, 2020 by Jennifer Peterson

Since our last update on March 13, RMFI has continued to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health concerns. As such, we have made shifts to our organization and operational plans. 

Beginning Monday, March 16, employees were encouraged to work from home and we have continued that practice this week. Those who need to come to the office for any reason are required to practice safe social distancing and regular hand-washing and hygiene.

Our weeklong staff training, that has historically marked the kickoff of our local field season, was initially set to begin on March 24. However, in order to comply with Governor Polis' request for employers to reduce the size of staff group gatherings, we have made the decision to forego the normal staff training. Instead, we are actively developing procedures and protocols that would allow our seasonal staff to on-board at RMFI on March 31 and immediately begin outdoor stewardship projects in small crew sizes, strictly adhering to all CDC and other public health guidelines. As local businesses are grappling with how to keep staff employed during these unprecedented times, we at RMFI feel strongly that if we can do our part to help a small semblance of the local workforce stay employed, then we want to pursue all avenues to make that happen, while keeping the health and safety of our community and employees the first priority. 

Finally, we have decided to postpone all volunteer workdays through the end of April. We will continue monitoring the situation and make adjustments to this schedule as necessary. Our Volunteer & Partnership Coordinator, Elise Moeller, has reached out to everyone who was registered for an April workday with additional updates and information. If you did not receive an email from Elise, please email her now at elise@rmfi.org

We appreciate your continued support and will communicate additional pertinent updates related to RMFI's programs and operations as soon as we are able. Please stay healthy and safe.

Team RMFI