Starting in September, Washington State University Extension and the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks will offer their flagship Forest Stewardship Coached Planning series. Woodland owners are invited to attend this nine-week shortcourse, which will run Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., September 21st through November 16th at the Preston Community Center, 8625 310th Ave SE, Issaquah.

Many forested properties are at high risk for fire, disease, insects, and other problems due to overcrowding, invasive weeds, and other factors. Maintaining a healthy forest is key to watershed protection, wildlife habitat, aesthetic beauty, and minimizing risks. This class will teach landowners what to look for, how to avoid common problems, and practical steps to keep their forest on track to provide habitat, enjoyment, and even income for years to come. Participants will learn about how to assess and maintain tree health, enhance wildlife habitat, improve aesthetics, cultivate edible and other specialty forest products, as well as how to manage their timber resources.

During the course, participants will develp their own personalized Forest Stewardship Plan. With an approved stewardship plan comes state recognition as a Stewardship Forest, eligibility for cost-share assistance programs, and qualification to become certified as a sustainable forest. An approved stewardship plan may also qualify owners who meet minimum acreage requirements for significant property tax reductions.

The shortcourse includes nine evening sessions, a Saturday field day, a comprehensive Forest Stewardship Notebook and other educational reference materials, property maps, aerial photos, and an individual on-site consultation from a professional forester or wildlife biologist.

Registration information is available at http:// snohomish.wsu.edu/forestry/CP10Preston. htm or by contacting Kevin Zobrist, WSU Extension Forester, at (425) 357-6017. Earlybird registration fee (before September 1st) is $150 per family or ownership and includes all course materials. Class size is limited to ensure a quality educational experience. Registration is first-come, first-served. Registration cost increases to $175 after September 1st.

This class is made possible by a funding grant from the Snoqualmie Watershed Forum and the King Conservation District.