Forest health specialist to visit the region

All forest landowners should plan to attend “Forest Ecology and Health”, an important and highly informative presentation, Thursday, Aug. 8.

The class will take place from 6:30 -8:30 at the WSU/Pend Oreille County Extension Office meeting room, 227A South Garden Ave., Newport.

The class, sponsored by the Pend Oreille County Master Gardeners will be taught by Melissa Fischer, forest health specialist for the Northeast Region, Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Fischer will be discussing forest types in Eastern Washington, fire ecology, forest health issues and management of fuels. Melissa has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in forestry from Northern Arizona University and a doctorate in forest entomology from Virginia Tech. Prior to obtaining her current position with the WDNR, Melissa worked as research coordinator for the Forest Pest Management Cooperative with Texas A&M Forest Service.

The cost for the class is $5 for community members (bring a spouse or friend for an extra $2) and $3 for Master Gardeners. All funds raised from the class will be used by the local Master Gardener Foundation to provide gardening education programs to the community. Please pre-register by e-mailing beverly.sarles@wsu.edu or calling the WSU/Pend Oreille County Extension Office at 1-509 447-2401 to provide contact information should the class schedule change and ensure adequate materials for all participants will be available. WSU Extension programs are offered without regard to race; sex; religion; age; color; creed; national or ethnic origin; physical, mental or sensory disability; marital status; sexual orientation; and/or status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran. Persons with a disability requiring special accommodations while participating in this program may call 1 509 447-2401 at least 14 days before the program.