Forest Assessment Course for Real Estate Professionals

Washington State University North Puget Sound Extension Forestry is offering a new program called Forest Assessment for Real Estate Professionals. 

Forest stewardship objective: Attracting wildlife

This summer we had some elk visits.

Firewise Communities in California receive discounts on homeowners insurance premiums

USAA policyholders living in recognized Firewise Communities/USA sites in California will receive discounts on their homeowners insurance premiums.

Nature Conservancy Announces 48,000 Acre Purchase, Largest WA Land Acquisition in its History

The Nature Conservancy bought 47,921 acres of checkered forestland in the Central Cascades for $134 million from Plum Creek, a timber company.

What Could Go Wrong? Beware Dead Trees

Bark beetles killed this pine just this spring. My intention was to fell it against its lean, but the tree had another idea. I learned how quickly the fiber in dead pines deteriorates.

WA 2014 Wildfires More Destructive than Ever; EQIP Money Available for Forest Owners

Steve McConnell, WSU Extension forester in Spokane, has a Facebook page for eastern Washington forest owners. Steve shared this article about the destructiveness of our wildfires. NRCS offers financial assistance to landowners affected by fires.

DNR Cost Share Program for Forest Stewardship Plans 2014-2015

 

Get $500 to $2,800 from DNR to Help Pay for a Forest Stewardship Plan.

What Could Go Wrong? Felling a side-leaning fir

It's not uncommon to fell a fir tree somewhere other than the direction of its lean. With a strong hinge, what could go wrong?

Native trees and shrubs available

If you're replanting after the fires to control erosion and rehabilitate your land, reserve your native plants.

Forest Fires Nearby

Wildfire's motto this season has been, "Start early and often."

What Could Go Wrong? Felling a 95 foot Douglas fir tree with two tops

Sometimes precision timber felling doesn't go exactly as planned. If we take all the usual steps and precautions, what could go wrong?

Explore a Century of Your Land's Use with a New USGS Mapping Site

Step back through the ages on your forest, online, for free. The full catalog of USGS topographic surveys is now on one web site and searchable by city.

Timber Tax Class and Chelan County Property Valuations

Is part of your property in a "Current Use" or "Designated Forest Land" program? Make sure your valuation reflects that.

Douglas-fir Beetle Outbreak in the Columbia River Gorge

Another bark beetle has shown up in big numbers in the eastern Gorge. This time, it’s Douglas-fir beetle attacking Douglas-fir trees -- and it’s no surprise.

Felling lesson

Ours is a family forest. Over the Memorial Day weekend, family member Chris came over to learn how to cut down a tree. Here's a video.

May 30 "Ties to the Land" succession planning workshop

Succession Planning Workshop

Logs Wanted in Winton

Leavenworth area landowners take note: These guys are buying logs at the Winton log yard.

Forest Owner Workshops and Classes for Summer 2014

Wooded land owners can attend these very valuable and fun events for very little or no cost. Here's the 2014 schedule of Western Washington sustainable forestry classes and workshops.

Practice under Pressure

Funny story about a tree only a fireman could love cutting.

Safety And Woods Worker Training

When you’re DIY logging as selectively as we are, precision and safety really pay off. Last week I completed Level III SAWW training in timber felling.

Cheap pines available 2yr

Cascadia CD has 4,000 Ponderosa pines for sale from seed sourced from an elevation of about 3,500'. They are 2 year old, bare root plants for $0.18 EACH. What a deal! If you can use any, contact Cascadia Conservation District at (509) 436-1601. And please spread the word to any fellow friends who might be able to use these trees.

(Info courtesy of NRCS.)

Wildfire Fuel Reduction and Precision Tree Felling Workshop

Learn all about removing small diameter trees from dense stands. Workshop in Leavenworth WA on April 24-26, 2014.

Pyrolysis - See How Waste Wood Becomes Fuel

On May 8th, 2014 mobile pyrolysis units will demonstrate the conversion of woody biomass into bio-oil, bio-char and syngas.