Forest thinning class announced

Trees killed by bark beetle attacks always make forest owners ask: “What can we do about it?”

Whether you have problems with insects or disease, concerns about fire, or just want to help forest growth, the response from foresters is nearly universal: thin your forest. This is especially true in North Idaho, where forests frequently become overstocked. Thinning and pruning can favor better adapted tree species, improve tree quality, invigorate tree growth, reduce fire risk, improve access, and enhance many other values.

In June, local forest owners can learn how to implement these practices more effectively in a “Thinning & Pruning Field Day.”

The program will feature presentations on fundamental concepts of thinning and pruning, as well as financial and technical assistance to help forest owners improve their stands.

A field trip also will be held and include visits to a thinned stand, a pruned stand, and demonstrations of manual and mechanical thinning and pruning tools, chainsaw safety, and forest genetics.

The program will be held on Saturday, June 18, at the Blanchard Community Center, 685 Rusho Lane in Blanchard. It will start at 9 a.m. and conclude by 5 p.m.

Those wishing to participate should pre-register by Friday, June 10. A $20 registration fee covers a field notebook of publications and refreshments. Registration forms can also be downloaded at uidaho.edu/extension/forestry/programs (click on “Strengthening Forest Stewardship Skills”). For registration questions, contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Bonner County at 208-263-8511. Registration forms can also be downloaded at uidaho.edu/extension/forestry.

The Thinning & Pruning Field Day is an Idaho Forest Stewardship program, co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension, the Idaho Department of Lands, and many other agencies and organizations.