Registrations due Friday for forestry program

Trees killed by bark beetle attacks always make forest owners ask: “What can we do about it?”

Whether you have problems with insects or disease, concerns about fire, or just want to help forest growth, the answer from foresters is nearly universal: thin your forest. Thinning and pruning can favor better-adapted tree species, improve forest genetics, invigorate tree growth, reduce insect and disease problems, reduce fire risk, improve access, and enhance many other values.

In June, local forest owners can learn how to implement these practices more effectively in a “Thinning & Pruning Field Day.” The program will include presentations on thinning and pruning, as well as financial and technical assistance to help forest owners improve their stands.

The program also will include a field trip featuring a thinned stand, a pruned stand, and demonstrations of manual and mechanical thinning and pruning tools, chainsaw safety and forest genetics.

The program will be held on Saturday, June 17 at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Boundary County, 6447 Kootenai. It is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. and end by 5 p.m. The deadline to register is Friday, June 9. A $20 registration fee covers a field notebook of publications and refreshments.

Registration forms can also be downloaded at bit.ly/43LeSGJ (click on “Strengthening Forest Stewardship Skills”).

Information: University of Idaho Extension Office, 208-267-3235