Program features forest thinning, pruning field day

Trees killed by bark beetle attacks always make forest owners ask: “what can we do about it?”

Whether you have problems with insects or disease, concerns about fire, or just want to help forest growth, the response from foresters is nearly universal: thin your forest. This is especially true in northern Idaho, where forests frequently become overstocked. Thinning and pruning can favor better adapted tree species, improve tree quality, reduce fire risk, improve access, and enhance many other values. In June, local forest owners can learn how to implement these practices more effectively in a “Thinning & Pruning Field Day.”

The program will feature:

• Presentations on fundamental concepts of thinning and pruning, as well as financial and technical assistance to help forest owners improve their stands.

• A field trip featuring: a thinned stand; a pruned stand; and demonstrations of manual and mechanical thinning and pruning tools, chainsaw safety, and forest genetics.

The program will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Bonner County (located at the Bonner County Fairgrounds in Sandpoint) and will start at 9 a.m. and conclude by 5 p.m.

Those wishing to participate should pre-register by Friday, Oct. 14. A $20 registration fee covers a field notebook of publications and refreshments. For registration questions, contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Bonner County at 208-263-8511. Registration forms can also be downloaded at http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry.

The Thinning & Pruning Field Day is an Idaho Forest Stewardship program, co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension, the Idaho Department of Lands, and many other agencies and organizations.