Forest stewardship workshop set for March 19

Most Idaho forests will be healthier and more likely to meet landowners’ objectives if stand treatments, such as thinning small, over-dense trees or reducing forest fuels, are implemented. An upcoming class on planning forest stewardship can help landowners toward those goals.

However, costs for these treatments can add up. But, because these practices often have public value (e.g., forest fire risk reduction) as well as value to landowners, there is sometimes financial support to help offset those costs, often called “cost-sharing.”

Cost sharing and other forms of financial assistance for better forest management usually require a written forest management plan to make sure cost-shared practices are well planned. County assessor offices also typically require a written forest management plan for landowners to take advantage of forest management incentives built into Idaho property tax laws.

The course is designed acquaint forest owners with forest management planning and orient them to the various types of forest management plans used to help forest owners pay for forest management activities.

The class will be held on Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Blanchard Community Center, 685 Rusho Lane. The program can accommodate a limited number of people.

Those wishing to participate must pre-register at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Bonner County by Tuesday, March 8. A $10 registration fee for the program covers handouts, materials, and refreshments.

For registration questions, contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Bonner County at 208-263-8511. This program is co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension, Idaho Department of Lands, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.