EVERETT, Wash. — Starting in April, Washington State University Extension and the Washington Department of Natural Resources will offer their popular Forest Stewardship Coached Planning series in Everett.
The nine-week short-course for small woodland owners will be presented on Tuesday evenings from April 12 through June 7, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the Snohomish County Extension auditorium, 600 128th Street S.E. in Everett.
The classes will help landowners identify ways to reduce management costs for controlling disease, insects and invasive weeds, and even generate income by marketing locally grown forest products. The course also will teach woodland owners how to assess their trees, avoid common problems, and take practical steps to keep their forest on track to provide habitat and enjoyment for years to come.
Participants will develop a personalized Forest Stewardship Plan needed to be eligible for state designation as a Stewardship Forest, cost-share assistance programs, certification as a sustainable family forest, and significant property tax reductions (subject to minimum acreage requirements).
In addition to the nine evening sessions the class will include a Saturday field day, a comprehensive Forest Stewardship Notebook and other educational reference materials, plus property maps, aerial photos and an individual on-site consultation from a professional forester or wildlife biologist.
The registration fee is $175 per family or ownership and includes all class materials. Class size is limited to ensure a quality educational experience.
Registration is first-come, first-serve. For registration information visit http://snohomish.wsu.edu/forestry/CP11Everett.htm or contact WSU Extension Forester Kevin Zobrist at 425-357-6017.