DNR, WSU to hold forest stewardship courses for small forest landowners

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Washington State University Extension Forestry program will offer three versions of its Forest Stewardship Coached Planning courses this spring, geared toward northeast, northwest, and southwest region forest landowners.

Courses beginning in May provide guidance for small forest landowners on creating forest stewardship plans. Registration ends April 19.

The courses cover topics including tree health and identification, wildlife on private property, noxious weeds, soil, forest practice rules, cultural resources, and wildfire risk. Participants will also receive coaching on writing their own forest stewardship plan, which may also provide relevant information on county designated forestland tax classification requirements or conservation cost-share grants.

Course participants will also have access to a digital library of reference materials and the option of a consultation site visit from a state forester.

Northeast Washington property owners in Stevens, Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Spokane counties can participate in a five-week, in-person version of the course. Classes take place on Saturdays, starting May 7, at the Spokane Community College Colville branch. The classes include three morning lectures, information on writing forest management plans, and two field trips.

An eight-week, online course will be offered for northwest and southwest regions. Western Washington property owners can register for either the Tuesday morning or Wednesday evening classes, starting May 3 and 4, respectively, with a “virtual field trip” on June 11. Participants need access to a high-speed internet connection, either on a computer or mobile device. Instructions on access will be provided before classes begin.

These programs are presented as part of an educational partnership between Washington State University Extension Forestry and DNR. The programs are made possible in part by funding from regional organizations, the USDA Forest Service, and DNR.

For more information on the events, and to register, go to https://forestry.wsu.edu/.