Washington Forest Owners Encouraged To Get More From The Land

Washington State University will host the Eastern Washington Forest Owner’s Winter School next weekend.  WSU says Winter School is a hands-on, interactive event for families who own forestland in the Evergreen State.

WSU Forestry Extension Program Coordinator Joshua Cardin noted whether you live on your land or are an absentee owner, this is a great opportunity to learn how to gain more benefits from your family forest.  There will be 20 different classes at the Saturday event, covering topics from water quality, forest land to grazing, reforestation, and more.

“And then we have something special this year due to all the recent fires that have been happening," Cardin said.  "We have three classes that go before the fire, during the fire, and after the fire.  So, this is a really great opportunity for landowners to get some advice on some stewardship activities, talk with agency professionals, and really just get to connect and meet other landowners like themselves.”

Cardin added Winter School will help landowners look at fire differently.

“Fire is part of our natural process in Eastern Washington," he noted.  "Fires have kind of formed our landscapes over centuries.  Without fire, our landscapes can't grow and become as resilient as they were when Native Americans used to tend to our trees.  So, we're going to talk about how you can reforest your property after a fire and the resources that are available to you if fire comes through and takes down your forest land like that.” 

Great Information For Any Forest Owners In Washington

Other session topics include: 

• Forest Health, Bark Beetles, and Root Disease
• Forest Wildlife and Habitat Enhancements
• Forest Improvements; Tending Trees; Successful Restoration
• What to Expect and Do Before, During, and After a Wildfire
• What Consulting Foresters Do; Forest Management Plans; Realities of Selling Timber
• Landowner Technical and Financial Assistance Programs 

 Classes are open to owners who have five acres of more.  Forest Owner’s Winter School takes place February 7th 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Spokane Community College branch in Colville.

Sign Up For Class Today

Preregistration is required.  Click Here to register.

 Advance registration (received by February 7) is $30 per person and $40 per family (or $40 per person and $50 per family on the day of the event). Registration includes all class materials and refreshments.

Box lunches will be available for purchase for an additional $10. Each registration includes one lunch; participants are asked to purchase an additional lunches for other family members, and it must be pre-purchased by February 7.

If you have questions, or would like addition information, reach out to Joshua Cardin, at (509)-308-8224 or E-mail him.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com