Tree planting workshops slated

February 21, 2013

Promptly renewing a forest with tree seedlings is key to sustainable forestry, whether to replace harvested trees or those that died from fire, insects, or disease.

Every year that the forest is understocked is a loss in forest growth. Brush or grasses taking over a site can make establishing new trees very difficult and expensive.

Finally, the Idaho Forest Practice Act requires reforestation within five years of timber harvest.

In March, a half-day workshop titled “Successful Tree Planting” will introduce participants to key elements of planting forest trees successfully. The program will feature:

~ Indoor instruction on: planted vs. naturally generated tree seedlings; site preparation; seedling stock types; seedling sources; planting tools and technique; responding to inadequate moisture, wildlife damage, and other threats to seedling survival; and financial and technical assistance to help forest owners plant trees.

~ Field activities with opportunities to try different planting tools and stock types, an exercise on measuring planting success, and demonstrations of tools to reduce moisture competition and animal damage.

The program will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 22, at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Kootenai County (1808 North 3rd Street in Coeur d’Alene), and again from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Boundary County (next to the Boundary County Courthouse in Bonners Ferry).

Those wishing to participate should pre-register by Friday, March 15, at the University of Idaho Extension office in the county where the program will be held.

A $10 registration fee covers resource materials and refreshments. The program is eligible for 3.5 Idaho Pro-Logger credits.

For registration questions, contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Kootenai County (208-446-1683) or Boundary County (208-267-3235). Registration forms can also be downloaded at http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry/content/calendarofevents.

For program questions, contact Chris Schnepf at (208) 446-1460. The program will also be held in Moscow on April 19 and is co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension, the Idaho Department of Lands, and the USDA Forest Service.