The Forestry Program encourages forest management practices that maintain the productivity and resilience of forest ecosystems. Upon request staff foresters will visit private properties with forest to provide technical advice to landowners and assist with forest stewardship plans.

Technical Assistance

Staff foresters provide free assistance to forestland property owners and other interested individuals. Foresters are available to help with planning to meet individual forestry goals including: growing a healthy forest, timber enhancement, improvement of wildlife habitat, and protection of water resources.

• Staff Forester Contacts

Forest Stewardship Planning

The first step in achieving a healthy and productive forest involves developing a forest stewardship plan. Landowners may complete plans on their own, hire a consultant to assist with planning, or participate in low cost forest stewardship classes. Contact one of our staff foresters to help determine which approach is best for you.

Once a plan is completed, staff foresters can help landowners organize specific forestry activities such as tree and shrub planting, forest tree pruning, pre-commercial thinning, commercial thinning, timber harvesting, timber and non-timber forest products marketing, recreational trail layout, wildlife habitat enhancement, forest aesthetics improvement, and soil and water protection measures.

Forest Stewardship Classes

Washington State University offers a 10-week series of forest stewardship classes to coach you in developing your forest stewardship plan. The trainings include personalized technical assistance from county foresters. Visit the WSU Extension Forest Stewardship website (external link) to register for the 2011 course and learn about upcoming workshops.

For more information about forestry educational opportunities, refer to our collection of local forestry links page or visit WSU Extension's backyard forest stewardship page (external link).

For questions about forestry services in King County, Washington, please contact Linda Vane, Project Manager, King County Forestry Program.