Forest Stewardship "Coached Planning" Shortcourses

Monday Evenings

Mt. Baker High School, Deming
February 7 - March 28, 2005 and April 4

Saturday Field Day: March 19

Sponsored by:
Washington State University Extension,
Washington State Department of Natural Resources,
and Washington Farm Forestry Association - Whatcom Chapter
   

Download Printable Brochure & Registration Form Here.

The Forest Stewardship "Coached Planning" Shortcourse is an educational opportunity for owners of private forest land in Northwestern Washington. The informational, hands-on, practical approach of this shortcourse will enable landowners to learn useful information about their natural resources. The shortcourse is open to all persons. Participants will be able to author their own stewardship plan for their forest with guidance and "coaching" by natural resource professionals.

Who is it for?

This nine-session shortcourse is designed to help owners of private forest lands to help themselves by learning what is best for their individual property. If you want to identify problems and develop solutions that meet your ownership goals, this shortcourse is for you.
   

TOPICS INCLUDE

  • Introduction to Forest Stewardship, Personal Goals
  • How to write a Forest Stewardship Plan
  • How to map and describe your property
  • How to maintain forest health
  • Forest Ecology - how forests respond to disturbance
  • Planting and taking care of your forest
  • Sustainable timber harvesting
  • Wildlife habitat identification and enhancement
  • Forest resource inventory
  • Native plant identification
  • Understanding forest soils and fertility
  • Riparian, wetlands, and water quality
  • Understanding cultural resources of your Forestland
  • Enhancing aesthetic and recreational opportuinities on your Family Forest
  • Where to go for help - Working with consultants and understanding technical, educational and financial
   

 

SHORTCOURSE REWARDS

  • Course participants will complete a multi-resource Forest Stewardship Plan for their property. Participants may submit the plan for approval to participate in the Forest Stewardship Program administered by the Washington State Department of NaturalResources (DNR).
  • An approved plan allows you to apply for cost-sharing assistancefor plan implementation.
  • Approved plans will qualify you to have your property recognized as a "Stewardship Forest" upon plan implementation.
  • Submit the plan to the local county assessor to be considered for reduced "current use" property tax rates.
  • American Forest Foundation accepts Forest Stewardship Plans as part of the Tree Farm certification requirements.
  • Participants will get an on-the-ground, personalized consultation by a DNR Forest Stewardship Forester and/ or Wildlife Biologist upon request to discuss plan development and implementation.
  • Optional WSU academic credit available for an additional cost.

 
 

 

 

REGISTRATION FEE:

$75 per person, family or land parcel. Fee includes a Forest Stewardship Handbook, aerial photos and maps of your property, and all handouts. Space is limited to the first 30 ownerships on a first come, first-served basis, so Please Register Early!

 

Additional Sponsorship:

The Forest Stewarship Shortcourse typically costs participants $150. However, thanks to a grant from the Whatcom Chapter of the Washington Farm Forestry Association, registration is half-price.