Forest Stewardship Resources

Small Forest Landowner Contacts

Whatcom County property tax reduction

Understanding Your Forest Real Estate

Stewarding Your Forest

Whatcom County Planning and Development Services administers the Open Space Current Use Program (including Farm and Agricultural Conservation Land). This program lowers the tax burden for properties that benefit the greater public. Applications are evaluated according to the Public Benefit Rating System; the greater the public benefit in keeping the property as open space, the greater the tax reduction
Whatcom County Tax Assessor’s office administers the Designated Forest Land tax reduction program. This program is for properties of 5 acres or more (not including a homesite) dedicated to growing and harvesting timber

Northwest Washington Extension Forestry – provides objective, research-based education and resources for forest owners and the general public. Offers site visits from forest health specialists and has an extensive online library of articles and videos, a podcast, events, and classes
Forest Stewardship Coached Planning Course – WSU Extension’s premier course for landowners who want to gain practical forestry knowledge and on-the-ground experience managing their own resources. By the end of the class, participants will have created their own Forest Stewardship Plan
WA State Consulting Forester and Silvicultural Contractor directory – compilation of forestry professionals around the state who provide planning and contracting services
NW Extension Forestry mailing list

WA DNR Small Forest Landowner Office - Offers assistance to small forest landowners to protect and promote the ecological and economic viability of their forestlands
WA DNR Landowner Assistance Portal - One-stop shop for small forest landowner needs
WA DNR Regulation Assistance Program – for questions and help with planning and permitting commercial harvests or navigating the WA Forest Practices Rules

NRCS Washington State – has programs to assist small forest landowners get a Forest Management Plan written by a professional forester or implement best management practices on their land
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) – NRCS flagship conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance to address natural resource concerns
Conservation Stewardship Program – builds upon existing conservation efforts for landowners already enrolled in EQIP