Forest measurements class to be held in Sandpoint

Good decisions require good information on a forest; whether determining how much to thin or what species, preparing for a timber sale or managing for other values. Some forest owners like to make these decisions intuitively but careful measurements can often illuminate misconceptions about a forest developed from casual observations.

A University of Idaho Extension program titled “Measuring Your Trees” is designed to give forest owners a basic understanding of forest measurements. It will also help them collect some of their own data and strengthen their interactions with professional foresters and technicians regarding data-based forest management decisions.

The morning will be spent indoors, focusing on principles guiding measurement of trees and forests. The afternoon will be spent outdoors, measuring a variety of forest characteristics using clinometers, diameter tapes, angle gauges and other forest measurement tools.

“Measuring Your Trees” will be held in Sandpoint, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2, beginning at the U of I Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center, located at 10881 N Boyer Road, north of Sandpoint.

The program can accommodate up to 30 people. Participants should pre-register by Friday, Aug. 27 to ensure their place. Registration forms are available at local U of I Extension Offices or can be downloaded at http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry. A $20 registration fee covers a field notebook of publications and refreshments.

Depending on COVID status that day, this program may be set up for physical distancing and masks may be required, per U of I policy.

“Measuring Your Trees” is an Idaho Forest Stewardship program, co-sponsored by U of I Extension, the Idaho Department of Lands and many other agencies and organizations. For questions on the program, contact Chris Schnepf 208-292-1288.