Registrations due Friday for forest measurements class

Good decisions require good information on a forest; whether determining how much to thin or what species, preparing for a timber sale, or managing for other values. Some forest owners like to make these decisions intuitively. But careful measurements can often illuminate misconceptions about a forest developed from casual observations.

A University of Idaho Extension program titled “Measuring Your Trees” is designed to give forest owners a basic understanding of forest measurements. It also will help them collect some of their own data and strengthen their interactions with professional foresters and technicians regarding data-based forest management decisions.

The morning will be spent indoors, focusing on principles guiding measurement of trees and forests.

The afternoon will be spent outdoors, measuring a variety of forest characteristics using clinometers, diameter tapes, angle gauges, and other forest measurement tools.

“Measuring Your Trees” will be held in Sandpoint, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, beginning at the University of Idaho Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center, 10881 North Boyer Road, north of Sandpoint.

The program can accommodate up to 30 people. Participants should pre-register by Friday, July 5, to ensure a spot.

Registration forms are available at local University of Idaho Extension Offices or can be downloaded at uidaho.edu/extension/forestry. A $20 registration fee covers a field notebook of publications and refreshments.

“Measuring Your Trees” is an Idaho Forest Stewardship program, co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension, the Idaho Department of Lands, and many other agencies and organizations. For questions on the program, contact Chris Schnepf, 208-446-1680.