WENATCHEE, Wash. — Owners of forest and rangeland from both Washington and Oregon will have the opportunity to improve their knowledge and hone their skills in stewardship and land management at an upcoming Forest and Range Owners Field Day in south central Washington.
The field day will be held on Saturday, June 18, from 9 am to 4:30 pm at the Kreps Family Ranch north of White Salmon, Wash. The location is within easy driving distance of the Portland/Vancouver area.
The field day is designed to prepare landowners to develop and execute stewardship plans to achieve land management objectives, reduce risks and protect their financial investment. Absentee landowners with property east of the Cascades are especially encouraged to attend.
Participants can choose from a wide variety of classes and activities instructed by recognized experts in forest and rangeland health, wildlife habitat, grazing and forages, weed control, wildfire protection, and timber and non-timber products. The presenters will be available to answer questions specific to your property situation. Youth activities will be available all day.
The fee for those who register by Friday, June 10, is $20 per person or $30 for a family of two or more. After that date the fee is $30 per person or $40 per family. An optional BBQ lunch to benefit the Future Farmers of America will be available for $10 per person. Lunch reservations must be received by June 10.
A brochure with more detailed information, driving directions and the registration form can be found at http://ext.wsu.edu/forestry, or contact your local Extension office.
Topics for the presentations for rangeland owners will include determining appropriate stocking rates, noxious weed control following fire, rangeland health assessment tools and the availability of Landowner Assistance Programs.
Presentations for forestland owners will include assessing forest health, using GPS in land management, chainsaw safety, improving fish and wildlife habitat, wildfire protection, thinning and pruning, Landowner Assistance Programs and using and selling forest products from your forest.
For more information contact WSU Extension Forestry Educator Andy Perleberg at 509-667-6640 or by email at andyp@wsu.edu
WSU Extension, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Forest Stewardship Program, and Oregon State University Extension are the primary sponsors of the field day.