Forest Stewardship Programs and Services
We offer a variety of programs and services throughout the year for both youth and adults, including shortcourses, individual workshops, field days, and site visits.
Download our Program Brochure
Also available in Spanish/Español
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Forest Stewardship Coached Planning
Participants meet for 9 weeks with other landowners and natural resource professionals to learn about a variety of stewardship topics.
Class Description
Upon successful completion of a forest stewardship plan, participants receive a sign to display their commitment to forest stewardship.
In addition to evening class sessions, a Saturday field day allows for hands-on learning of key topics.
The Coached Planning shortcourse, offered in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources, is the "flagship" of the forest stewardship program.This popular, practical, hands-on shortcourse program began in southwest Washington in 1992. Since then, thousands of forest landowners across the state have learned about being stewards of their forestland and have prepared their own personalized forest stewardship plan with guidance and "coaching" from natural resource professionals.
The Coached Planning program is designed to
help forest landowners develop customized
management solutions to meet their
own unique ownership objectives.
Whether you own 5, 50, or 500
acres of forest, if you want to
expand your knowledge, tools,
and confidence for managing
your forestland, this course is
for you.
Coached planning shortcourses are offered at different times of the year at different locations in King, Snohomish, and Skagit County. For information on the next schedule class, please visit our Events Page. The statewide coached planning schedule is also available, as is more information about this program at the state level.
Participant Feedback
Here is what participants are saying about Coached Planning:
- This was a wonderful program, which educated us well and made us aware of the different plants and tree species that we have on our property, so we could protect and enhance our property for the betterment of humans and animals alike.
- 2008 Participant - I have much more confidence in understanding my impact on my land and the wildlife that uses it and know how to make my impact beneficial to the land and the wildlife. I recommend the program highly to owners of very small forested plots as well as owners of many acres of forest.
- 2008 Participant - Being able to consult with familiar and trusted experts on a wide variety of forest topics is a tremendous resource. Knowing they have my best interest in mind I have the confidence to utilize their expertise to make informed forestry decisions that is beneficial to the community, the environment, wildlife and me.
- 2008 Participant - The forest stewardship class helped bring our family closer together with our thoughts about how we wish to manage our forest.
- 2008 Participant - Anyone with a forest parcel that is interested in the health of the forest and wildlife should take the course. - 2008 Participant
- I learned how much I didn't know about managing a forest
- 2007 Participant - This was a great class. I feel like I have the tools and resources to manage my forest and attract wildlife. This class also helped me think about and understand my goals for the property.
- 2007 Participant
Coached Planning Reports and Articles
- Arlington Times 6/2/2009
- Everett Herald 3/23/2008
- Sedro Woolley Courier Times 3/5/2008
- 2009 Coached Planning Fact Sheet
- 2007/08 Impact Report
- Forest Stewardship Coached Planning in Washington State - 2007 Study on the long-term impacts of Coached Planning
Workshops
We Offer a Variety of Workshops
Classroom workshops are offered on a variety of forestry topics. Throughout the year we offer workshops on a variety of topics. See the Events Page for a list of any currently scheduled workshops. Also make sure you are signed up to receive our E-Mail Newsletter to get up-to-date announcements of workshops and other events of interest to forest owners in the Puget Sound area.
Examples of Past Workshop Topics
- Advanced Timber Management
- Chainsaw Saftey and Maintance
- Estate Planning
- Fire Ecology and Prevention
- Fish and Wildlife Habitat
- Forest Safety and Security
Forest Owners Field Days
Summer Field Days Offered Around the State
Forest Owner field days provide an "in the woods" learning experience with a variety of topics.Statewide Family Forest Owner Field Days are offered each summer both east and west of the Cascades. These field days offer a hands-on, "in-the-woods" educational experience for the whole family. Topic stations include forest health, thinning, pruning, riparian management, wildlife habitat, and more. Locations vary from year to year, so chances are there will be one near you soon.
Check for announcements of scheduled field days on the Events Page. You can also browse scheduled events on our Statewide Forest Stewardship Calendar.
Field Day Reports and Articles
Site Visits
WSU Extension Foresters provide forest landowners with free on-site consultations and technical advice. If you have forestland in King, Snohomish, or Skagit County, foresters are available for free site visits to answer your questions and provide advice. If you are interested in scheduling a site visit or would like more information, please contact me.
Youth Programs
There are opportunities for students and other youth to learn about forest stewardship.In addition to our adult education offerings, the Forest Stewardship Program also works in partnership with the Snohomish County 4-H Natural Resources Program to provide youth education opportunities, including in-school programs, after school programs, field days, and more. Fore more information visit 4-H Natural Resources.
Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.
This site last updated 11/19/2009
Announcements
11/19/2009 – The November newsletter is now available.
11/19/2009 – The Ties to the Land estate/ succession planning workshop has been postponed again - probably until April.