Workshop: Improving Forest Health and Fire Resistance in a Changing Climate – San Juan Island

Learn DIY strategies for stewarding a healthy forest in the San Juans!

Many forest owners across San Juan County are interested in taking a hands-on approach to improving the health, resilience and productivity of their forests, but lack the information, skills and resources to do so. At this hands-on workshop at Stillwater Ranch on San Juan Island, local and regional experts will introduce forest owners to simple, do-it-yourself strategies for thinning their forests, mitigating slash and creating value-added products. 

The majority of this workshop will take place in the forest, teaching participants hands-on how to evaluate forest conditions, select trees for harvesting, and utilize woody biomass for forest health and biochar production. These workshops have been offered on Waldron, Shaw, Orcas, and Lopez islands, with great turnout.

Workshop participants are encouraged to bring water and a sack lunch.

Time & Date

August 24, 2020
10am-4pm

Location

Stillwater Ranch
San Juan Island

Cost

This workshop is offered at no cost thanks to our funders

Register for the workshop

This outdoor workshop will be offered in-person with small groups to minimize health risks and maximize direct interaction with foresters. Participants will need to adhere to appropriate health measures, including social distancing.

Topics

• Fire history and ecology in the San Juans
• Impacts of climate change on forests
• Forest carbon cycles
• Commercial and non-commercial thinning strategies
• Options for utilizing excess woody biomass
• How to convert forest slash to biochar
• Portable saw milling
• Improving wildlife habitat and timber values
• Financial assistance opportunities

Speakers

Kirk Hanson
Director of Forestry
Northwest Natural Resource Group

Kai Hoffman-Krull
CEO
Forage

Carson Sprenger
Restoration Ecologist/Fire Ecologist
Rain Shadow Consulting

Support

Funding and support for this workshop comes from United States Department of Agriculture National Institute for Food and Agriculture, Western Extension Risk Management Agency.