Forest Stewardship University

Welcome

Forest Stewardship University is a set of on-demand, self-paced, and peer-reviewed online learning modules on a variety of forest stewardship topics. The modules are geared toward owners of forested and wooded property in the state of Washington as well as anyone interested in learning more about Pacific Northwest forests. Many of the modules are also applicable to those in Oregon, Idaho, and other parts of the region.

You may also be interested in our upcoming live webinars.

Cost and registration

Access to the modules is free, but registration is required. Registration includes access to all available modules.

Please allow several business days for your registration to be processed. Once your registration has processed, you will receive information by email on how to access the online modules.

What to expect

The modules can be accessed at any time, and you can complete the class at your own pace. Each module includes a video to watch (usually 30 to 60 minutes in length) and links to additional resources that you can explore for further study. Many modules also have PDF handouts to download. Most modules have a quiz that must be passed to successfully complete the modules. The quiz can be taken more than once. The modules also include a a very brief evaluation that must be filled out to complete the module.

Need assistance? Please contact WSU Extension Forestry.

Currently available modules

Animal damage control (OM29)

In this module, Jim Bottorff, retired wildlife biologist from the Washington State Department of Natural resources, provides an overview of the wildlife species that most commonly damage trees. This includes those that damage seedlings as well as those that damage larger trees. This module also describes control strategies to reduce or eliminate some types of damage.

Forest Roads and Water Quality (OM4)

In this module, former WSU Extension Forester Erik Sjoquist provides an overview of roads on small forest ownerships, including basic design principles, applicable rules and regulations, and how to minimize road impacts on water quality.

Introduction to Cultural and Historical Resources on Small Forest Ownerships in Washington (OM10)

In this module, retired King County forester Kristi McClelland provides a brief introduction to cultural and historical resources that small forest landowners might find on their property so that landowners can address these in their forest stewardship plans.

Introduction to Non-Timber Forest Products and Agroforestry (OM35)

In this module, Washington State University Extension Forester Patrick Shults provides an introductory overview of five types of non-timber products that can be produced for personal use and for sale on small woodlands and five common types of agroforestry systems.

Managing a successful timber sale: Top 10 “musts” (OM13)

In this module, long-time forest consultant Ron Munro discusses the top ten “musts” for putting together a successful timber sale. These tips will help minimize your risk and liability as a landowner, get better value for your timber, and identify other important issues to address to ensure that the outcome of the sale meets your environmental and economic objectives and expectations.

Managing woodlands for aesthetics and enjoyment (OM12)

In this module, forestry consultant Jeff deGraan from Cascade Woodland Design provides tips on how to improve the aesthetics of your woodlands and make it an even more enjoyable place to spend time.

Reducing wildfire risk to your western Washington home in the woods (OM33)

In this module, Oregon State University Extension Forestry agent Lauren Grand discusses wildfire risks to homes in wooded areas of western Washington and describes practical steps that will greatly increase a home’s chance of surviving a wildfire.

Threatened and endangered wildlife species in Washington forests (OM34)

In this module, Washington State University Extension Forestry professor Kevin Zobrist provides a brief overview of some of the threatened and endangered wildlife species in Washington forests and some associated forest practices regulations. This module will help landowners preparing forest stewardship plans understand what might need to be addressed in the threatened and endangered species section of the plan.

Variable Density Thinning (OM36)

In this module, Washington State University Extension Forester Patrick Shults presents a type of forest thinning called variable density thinning, which improves forest growth and health while also enriching forest diversity and structural complexity.

Washington State forest land and timber taxes (OM18)

In this module, Washington Department of Revenue Forester Chris Westwood explains key state taxes that apply to forest land and the sale of timber, including current use property taxation, the Forest Excise Tax (FET), and the Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax.