Forest Stewardship Resources
Collated below are resources to help you manage your forested property.
Informational Flyers
Whatcom County property tax reduction
Understanding Your Forest Real Estate
Stewarding Your Forest
Resources From Whatcom County
- 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
Resources from Washington State University
- 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
Resources from Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
- 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
Resources from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- 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
