Family-owned forests are vital to the economy and quality of life in the Inland Northwest. These lands are critical for wildlife habitat, timber supply, water quality, and many other values. Unique skills are required of foresters and other natural resource professionals who help family forest owners manage their property. The Family Foresters Workshop is designed to strengthen the skills of consulting foresters, state-employed service foresters, and other natural resource professionals who work with family forest owners. It serves as a forum to provide updates on emerging technology and knowledge applicable to family forestry. The program will be held Friday, January 27, 2023, at the Doubletree Hotel in Spokane WA. Presentations will include:

·         Update on Stand Density Index (SDI) Research from Intermountain Forestry Cooperative: Mark Kimsey, University of Idaho

·         Guiding Principles for Post-disturbance Reforestation in a Changing Climate: Kas Dumroese, U.S. Forest Service

·         The Ideals vs. the Realities of Early Conservation – The Economics of the First U.S. Watershed Conservation Plan in Wisconsin: Charlie McKetta, University of Idaho (retired)

·         Mapping the Forest with Lidar: Paul Gessler, University of Idaho

·         Lynx Reintroduction in Washington’s Kettle Range: Rose Piccinini, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Colville Tribes

·         Safety & Security in the Woods:  Paul Figueroa, Forester, WA Dept. Agriculture (retired)

·         New Two-year Degree Forestry Programs at the University of Idaho: Rob Keefe, University of Idaho

·         Family Forest Economics/Policy Update: Greg Latta, University of Idaho

The workshop is eligible for 6 Society of American Foresters continuing forestry education credits, and 7 Pro-Logger continuing education credits.

The program can accommodate up to 100 people. Registration forms are available at local University of Idaho and Washington State University Extension Offices and should be returned by January 20, 2022. A $110 registration fee (online registration with a credit card at is available at www.uidaho.edu/FamilyForesterWorkshop) covers handouts and refreshments. For questions on the program, contact: Chris Schnepf at (208) 292-1288 or Andy Perleberg at (509) 667-6540.