The 2021 Washington Legislature's session will be completely online. While meeting remotely presents difficulties for both lawmakers and the people they represent, it does not mean you can't be involved. In fact, it may be even easier because you can watch hearings and testify from home. WFFA members received an email message with numerous links to information and access to the Legislature. In case you missed it, here's a
... read moreMechanical harvesting with a large excavator, called a shovel, is the most common harvest method used today, but small landowners rarely have a chance to watch the complete process unless it is on their own property. Bryon and Donna Loucks, owners of the B&D Tree Farm in Lewis County (with the assistance of Pat Swanson as vidographer) documented a recent operation on their property and prepared this video to
... read moreIf you are interested in hosting a virtual tree farm tour, please email Elaine Oneil, Executive Director, (eoneil@wafarmforestry.com) or Jon Matson, IT Consultant (jon@jkematson.org). This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the unique aspects of your tree farm and share what you think makes it "Cool to be a Tree Farmer"!
WFFA is proud to announce the 2021 offering of the Steven D. Stinson Leadership in Natural Resources Scholarship. This is the sixth annual scholarship offering, made available to WFFA members, families and affiliates. The scholarship is a maximum of $6,000. View the 2021 scholarship announcement for details and view the scholarship page for additional information on our program. The due-date for scholarship applicants is 3/15/21; awardees will be notified by 4/15/21.
The Elmore-Vance Tree Farm, managed by Patty Vance, was recently named 2020 Washington State Tree Farmer of the Year by the Washington Tree Farm Program. Because the usual Awards Luncheon could not be held, an online presentation was made, featuring videos of them and of the two other nominees, the Five Point Lodge Tree Farm, managed by Mike Blais, and the Pomeroy Tree Farm, managed by Bob Brink and family. All three nominees are Washington Farm Forestry Association members and have properties worthy of an award.
The Elmore-Vance Tree Farm is located in eastern Lewis County, surrounded by U.S. Forest Service land. This video shows how Patty has managed the land that was purchased by her father and how she is involving younger members of her family so that it will be in the family for generations to come. For more information, read the press release and description of the tree farm.
The Five Point Lodge Tree Farm is located in Snohomish County and began in 1947 when a group joined together to obtain 320 acres. It is jointly owned by 6 families, with 290 acres in the tree farm.
Pomeroy Tree Farm in Clark County has been in the same family since 1910 and the 6th generation now lives on the property. In addition to growing trees, it also is a working farm where thousands of children have come to learn.
My trees have just been have been cut. What do I do next?
How many trees per acre should I plant on newly harvested land?
How do I find out how many trees per acre are growing on my land?
Why did my newly planted seedlings die?
Do I need to worry about insects attacking my trees?
My big trees are dying. Could it be from a disease?
Something is eating my young trees! What is it? What can I do about it?
Other plants are growing where I planted young seedlings. Do I need to do something about them?
How do I mix chemicals in my backpack sprayer?
How can I control weeds if I don't want to use chemicals?
I want to plant western red cedar on my land. Is it hard to get established?
I'd like to plant red alder instead of Douglas-fir. Should I do so?
My trees seem to be too close together. Should I cut some of them out? How do I know when to do it?
I think my trees are big enough to harvest. How do I find out about how to do it and who will do it?
Do I need to know exactly where my property lines and corners are located?
These chapters were written by Bryon W. Loucks, retired forester and small forest landowner, who wanted to share his 50 years of experience with other small forest landowners who are interested in learning more about managing their forest land. They are focused on management of Douglas-fir in western Washington, but many of the chapters contain information that is useful with other species and in other locations. If you have questions or want to make comments, he can be contacted at bryonloucks@gmail.com
Chapter 3 - Soils
Chapter 6 - Tree Improvement Programs
Chapter 8 - Disease & Insect Damage
Chapter 12 - Marketing & Final Harvest
Chapter 13 - Growing Douglas Fir
Chapter 15 - Growing Western Redcedar
Chapter 18 - Surveying Corners and Property Lines New January 2021
Appendix: Samples of Contracts. Word versions are provided so you can modify them for your own use.
