March 12, 2009

Washington Farm Forestry Association Update

 

 

 

If you're tired of watching the snow fall, read on!  There are many fun and informative resources to investigate while waiting for Spring!

Looking forward to seeing you in Ellensburg for the WFFA Annual Meeting May 29-30!

 

Treefully,

 

Erica Norquist

Information and Organization Officer, WFFA 

 

WFFA website highlights...

 

 

New on our home page!

 

1. Have you heard about the U of W's Forest Landowner survey?  You may still participate in their study, including optional entry in the CASH DRAWING!

 

 

2. Updated link to the "Forest and Wildlife Extension" website. This provides one-stop shopping for Extension program and personnel information.

 


Reminder!


We strive to maintain our online calendar with up-to-the-minute information. 

 

If you are organizing an event, please send details as they emerge to Erica at info@wafarmforestry.com or call 360-736-5750.

 

 

Use this tool!

 

Topics of general interest, along with specific happenings in your back yard make for a "website of substance".  Submit ideas to your Chapter President, Rick or Erica.  Help enhance our website as a resource for potential, new and current members.

 

 

'GOOD NEWS' STORY

 

"2008 WA Tree Farmer of the Year - applying for Western Regional Tree Farmer of the Year"

 

 

Follow this link for more history and photos of the Hama Hama Tree Farm owned by the Robbins Family, long-time members of the South Sound Chapter.

 

OPPORTUNITIES OF INTEREST

around the state!!

 

Forest Stewardship

 

Coached Planning classes provide a good overview of natural resource management and are a great opportunity to update your forest management plan.  Stewardship plans are accepted for certification through the tree farm program. This class is also a good one to have family members take to help them better understand their forest. 

Click here for the list of upcoming courses to be held from Renton to Republic.

 

"Who Owns America's Forests?"

Latest in the Forestry & Natural Resource Webinar series

 

March 26, 2009 12 pm - 1 pm EST

This special one-hour program will place special emphasis on family forest owners. See article below on participation details.

 

DNR seasonal employment

Firefighters and WA Conservation Corps

 

Applications are being accepted for the 2009 season.  Though application deadlines vary by region, most are March 31, 2009.  College tuition vouchers are part of the benefit package offered.  Click here for details.

 

30th Annual Forestry Contest - competition for high school students

 

Volunteers are needed for this career development project of the Nation FFA.  NE WA high schools compete 4/23 and the state contest will be 5/1.

 

Visit the NE Chapter page of the WFFA website for more information!

 

Forest Improvement Projects - Colville National Forest

 

Applications are being accepted for projects to improve Colville National Forest (CNF) lands and the economies of Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties.

 

Past project proposals have varied from culvert replacement to help fish passage to
youth-oriented outdoor recreation programs to forest thinning projects to reduce fire danger.


Follow this link for more information.  Application deadline is April 9, 2009.

 

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Please help distribute this information.

 

 

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

 

Forest Health Highlights 2008

This 25-page report reviews factors from weather to insects, disease and animals.  Follow this link to the publication on DNR's website.

 

Mountain Beaver - in the Seattle Times

Read about this elusive rodent in a light-hearted, informative article. Click here for the posting.

 

Since it's Tax Time.........

Visit the WFFA website to review Tax Tips publications of the USDA Forest Service - a newly added link: possible deductions for "storm damaged timber".

 

Interested in a "Webinar"?

Here's one on the "hot topic" of forest landowner surveys and, perhaps most interesting of all, the results.  "Who Owns America's Forests?" is the title of a one-hour program featuring Dr. Brett Butler, Research Forester with the USDA Forest Service.  Participants only need internet access; simple directions are provided.  SAF DRE Category I credits may be available.  Follow this link for details.

 

Just a reminder.............

Results of the most recent National Woodland Owner survey are available by following this link (also reported in the "Dec 2008 Update").