‘Forestry Shortcourse’ offered in June in region

Many Idaho forest landowners desire a better understanding of how forests grow and how they can better manage their forest property to meet their goals. Furthermore, forest landowners are often required to demonstrate planned, active forest management to qualify for lower forestry property tax rates and cost-share assistance for management activities such as thinning.

A six-session University of Idaho Extension program, titled the Forestry Shortcourse, helps enrich forest landowners’ understanding of forest ecology, silviculture, forest health, wildlife habitat, and other forestry topics. In the process, participants are coached by natural resource professionals on how to develop a management plan for their forest.

The Forestry Shortcourse will be held Wednesday mornings, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m, June 10, 17, 24 & July 1, 8, 15, 2020, at the University of Idaho Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center (10881 N Boyer Road, in Sandpoint). To ensure an effective learning environment, the program is limited to 25 people and in response to COVID 19 concerns, the program will be held in the largest room at the center and seating will be arranged to keep six feet between participants.

A $38 registration fee includes a large binder of forest stewardship resource materials, including a wooden USB flash drive with over 120 extension publications. Those wishing to participate should pre-register by Wednesday, June 3 at the University of Idaho Extension office in Bonner County by calling 208-263-8511.

The program is eligible for 9 Idaho Pesticide Recertification credits. For $120, teachers can also sign up for two University of Idaho credits for the program.

If you have questions on the program, contact Chris Schnepf at (208) 446-1680. The Forestry Shortcourse is an Idaho Forest Stewardship program, co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension, the Idaho Department of Lands, and many other agencies and organizations.