Starting Sept. 14, 22: Courses teach forest stewardship

REPUBLIC, Wash. – Weekly forest stewardship coached planning courses for landowners of five to thousands of acres will begin in September in Republic and Tum Tum, Wash., hosted by Washington State University forest extension.

Those attending will learn to minimize wildfire risk, improve wildlife habitats, protect soil and use timber resources. Participants will be able to certify under the American Tree Farm System and determine their eligibility for reduced property tax and cost-share assistance.Red-pines-near-Lyle-Murray

“Besides knowledge and connections, attendees 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,” said Steve McConnell, program organizer and WSU Extension forester. 

The Republic classes will be 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 14-Nov. 2, at the K-Diamond-K Guest Ranch, 15661 WA-21, Republic. Cost is $165 per household. Register at http://extension.wsu.edu/spokane/event/forest-stewardship-coached-planning-republic-wa/2016-09-14/.

The Tum Tum classes will be 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 22-Nov. 10, at the Tum Tum Community Center, 6424 WA-291, Nine Mile Falls, Wash. Cost is $165 per household. Register at http://extension.wsu.edu/spokane/event/forest-stewardship-coached-planning-tumtum-wa/2016-09-22/.