Land workshop on tap

While many landowners would say income from crops or timber harvest is their central ownership goal, most would also mention a place to raise their family, wildlife habitat, and many other cherished ownership values. Many landowners would like to see the next generation of their family pick up where they left off in managing the family place. But too often, they don’t act on this instinct soon enough, or they may have made some effort toward estate planning and a will, but haven’t brought the next generations of the family into the discussion.

Reluctance to engage the larger family on ownership transition can stem from many sources, ranging from not knowing how to broach the subject within the family to concerns about the expense of working through the process relative to the benefits. But for families who want to see their property continue as part of a well-cared-for working landscape, the discussion must be joined. Without planning, differences among family members’ skills, values, goals and personalities can lead to outcomes no one is happy with, especially if everyone waits to discuss these questions until the family is grieving or dealing with health problems.

On Saturday, Feb. 4, University of Idaho Extension is offering a 6-hour workshop titled “Ties to the Land,” an award-winning project that uses presentations, video clips and interactive exercises to help families who own farm, forest, or other rural lands learn more about planning for an orderly transition. The program will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bayview Community Center, 20298 E. Perimeter Road.

The program can accommodate a limited number of people. Those wishing to participate should pre-register at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Kootenai County by Friday, Jan. 27.

A $35 registration fee covers refreshments, a 91-page illustrated workbook for the first family member. Additional family members are $10 each and additional workbooks can be purchased for $25. For registration questions, contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Kootenai County at (208) 446-1680. Registration forms can also be downloaded at http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry. This program is partially supported by funds from the Idaho Department of Lands, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service.