Stewardship course for small forest landowners

KELSO, Wash. – WSU Extension Forestry offers Forest Stewardship Coached Planning classes Oct. 16-Nov. 20. The classes will help landowners through the process of writing a simple forest management plan.

4 people stand in a forest, with 2 of them holding each end of a tape measure.
Attendees at a previous WSU Forestry planning workshop.

The comprehensive series of classes are taught by recognized forestry experts from around Washington. The course both educates and inspires landowners to become stewards of their forest and equips them with the knowledge and resources to achieve their goals. Over several weeks, an array of forestry-related topics will be covered that will allow landowners to develop a vision for their property.

The forest management plan will be written week-by-week, helping attendees shape their goals and vision for their property. Having a management plan is a critical part of being a forest owner, and often a major point of pride.

The plan can make landowners eligible for reduced property taxes and cost-share assistance to put the plan in action. Those who write a plan in class will also have their property become a DNR Certified Stewardship Forest.

This course will take place Wednesday nights from 6-9 p.m. at the Cowlitz County Administration Building in Kelso. Participants receive a forestry reference library, maps and aerial photos of your property, a forest measurement tool, and a personal site visit from a professional forester.

Registration is $150 per property or household (please limit groups to 4 people). Registration before October 5 saves $25!

Learn more about the class and how to register at http://forestry.wsu.edu/kelsocp/.