Landowner Resources

Managing a tree farm is not just about walking through your woods and enjoying the peaceful scenery. It is also boots-on-the-ground work, understanding the science of growing trees, and knowing how to market your timber.

To help you get started with managing your tree farm or address a specific management issue you may have, the Washington Tree Farm Program has compiled a list of online resources. If you still aren’t able to find your answer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@watreefarm.org.

Thinking About Active Management

Have you wanted to take a more active role in managing your tree farm but are unsure where to start? If so, there are several places where you can turn to receive free assistance.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources Small Forest Landowner Office – There are stewardship and technical foresters on staff who will visit your property to conduct a site visit.

Washington Tree Farm Program – For landowners who are interested in becoming certified, we can arrange a visit by one of our volunteer inspectors to help get you started.

Writing Your Plan

Writing your forest management plan can seem overwhelming because of the amount of information that must be included. Here are several resources to help you work through the process.

Your Forest Stewardship Plan – This helpful introductory factsheet explains why a forest stewardship plan is important.

Washington State Integrated Forest Management Plan Guidelines – This template walks you through the process of filling out your management plan.

FORI tool – The management plan has a section called Forests of Recognized Importance (FORI). The American Tree Farm System defines FORI as “a globally, regionally and nationally significant large landscape area of exceptional ecological, social, cultural or biological value.” The Washington Tree Farm Program developed an online resource to help you fill out that section.

Forest Stewardship Coached Planning Classes – Washington State University offers an eight-week guided coached planning class that takes you through each section of the management plan. As part of this class, you will receive a visit and a forest field day.

Managing Your Tree Farm

It’s safe to say that you will never be finished managing your tree farm. Each year you will likely find yourself undertaking another management activity, whether removing invasive species, conducting a precommericial thinning, or building roads. For every management activity, there’s a resource to help.

Invasive Species

Diseases

Washington State Department of Natural Resources Forest Health Program
Laminated Root Rot – WSU Forestry Resources by Topic
Dead Branches, Dead Tops & Dead Trees: The Interaction of Water Stress, Insects & Disease – Although this was written in 1999, the information is still quite relevant because Washington State has experienced droughts in recent years.