Forest Stewardship Planning
   

Ken inspecting a root
 
Ken Hallock, a Pierce County resident, inspects an example of root rot on a Douglas fir seedling during a Washington State University Forest Stewardship Coached Planning class in 2022. DNR partners with WSU to provide the classes for small forest landowners. (Natalie Johnson/DNR)
 
DNR’s Service Forestry Program provides forest stewardship or forest management planning, advice and recommendations for landowners. The program works in partnership with the USDA Forest Service.
 
 
Service foresters can help you assess resource conditions and forest health, identify potential problems and opportunities, and recommend management practices to help you achieve your objectives. There is no cost or obligation for this service. 
 

Planning for Your Forest's Future

 
Service foresters working in partnership with Washington State University can also help you develop and implement a Forest Stewardship Plan to guide current and future management actions. Participating in coached planning can help you qualify for financial assistance, current use taxation, recognition, and certification programs. A stewardship plan also provides continuity of management and can help ensure that one’s vision for their property continues well into the future.
 
In some cases, there may also be funding available through our financial assistance program to assist with paying a consulting forester to write a plan for you. In limited cases, a service forester may be able to assist a landowner in developing their own plan outside of coached planning.
 
Kevin demonstrating pruning
 
Kevin Zobrist of WSU Extension forestry, demonstrates the correct technique for pruning during a Washington State University Forest Stewardship Coached Planning class in 2022. DNR partners with WSU to provide the classes for small forest landowners. (Natalie Johnson/DNR)
 

Are you eligible?

Forestland owners of 5 or more acres are eligible for a site visit at no cost. Owners of smaller acreages may receive a visit depending on forester availability, but can get consultation from DNR by telephone or email.
 
 

Additional Resources

Washington State University (WSU) Extension Forestry: In cooperation with DNR, and other agencies and organizations, WSU Extension Forestry provides educational programs and materials for family forest owners. Offerings include multi-week forest stewardship coached planning courses to help landowners develop a forest stewardship plan, regional field days for forest owners, Forest Stewardship University online and more. Coached planning, WSU’s flagship course, teaches landowners how to assess trees, avoid insect and disease problems and attract wildlife. State experts will help landowners develop their own forest stewardship plan to keep their woods on track to provide enjoyment and income for years to come. Go to forestry.wsu.edu for more information.
 
Looking for help with forest regulations?
 
Are you a small forest landowner seeking assistance with forest practices regulations? Visit the Small Forest Landowner Office page, or the Regulation Assistance Program.