Family Foresters Workshop scheduled for Friday, Jan. 20

Family-owned forests are vital to the economy and quality of life in the Inland Northwest. These lands are critical for wildlife habitat, timber supply, water quality, and many other values.

Unique skills are required of foresters and other natural resource professionals who help family forest owners manage their property. The Family Foresters Workshop is designed to strengthen the skills of consulting foresters, state-employed service foresters, and other natural resource professionals who work with family forest owners. It serves as a forum to provide updates on emerging technology and knowledge applicable to family forestry.

This year’s program will be held at the Cour d’Alene Inn (located off Interstate 90 at Highway 95 exit) on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, and features presentations on: up and coming forest products; past and future changes in Inland Northwest family forestry; managing forests in the face of droughts; effectiveness of prescribed burns in preventing fire; research updates on forest biofuels; managing family forest habitats for moose; and the annual family forest economics/policy update.

The program can accommodate up to 100 people. Registration forms are available at local University of Idaho and Washington State University Extension Offices, and should be returned by Jan. 13, 2017. An $85 registration fee ($90 for online registration with a credit card at: www.uidaho.edu/FamilyForesterWorkshop) covers handouts and refreshments. For questions on the program, contact Chris Schnepf at (208) 446-1680.