DEER PARK, Wash. – For landowners in eastern Washington, the summer Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course is an opportunity to gain management skills that keep forests thriving.
The nine-week, hands-on course for forest landowners, or those interested in owning forest land, will take place at the Deer Park Public Library in Deer Park, Wash. Extension educators from Washington State University and forestry experts in the region will lead courses 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays, May 29-July 24.
Participants will learn how to write a forest stewardship plan, gauge the health of their forests, manage fire risk, improve wildlife habitat, use timber resources and protect soil. The course also allows participants to certify under the American Tree Farm System and determine their eligibility for reduced property tax and cost-share assistance.
“This class is an opportunity for small forest landowners to learn directly from experts in the field,” said Steve McConnell, program organizer and WSU Extension forester. “Besides knowledge and connections, attendees completing this course can walk away with a completed forest stewardship plan for their property, providing them direct access to help – financial, technical and otherwise – to meet their sustainable management objectives.”
Registration materials are available at http://bit.ly/10OwFFI. The course costs $150 per family/landowner. For more information, call McConnell at 509-477-2175. The program is co-sponsored by Washington Farm Forestry Association, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.