Forestry work by conservation districts

Forestry work by Conservation Districts

Conservation Districts provide benefits to Washington’s small acreage, private forest land owners and intend to provide more in the future. Some of Washington’s 47 districts have limited amounts of forest lands while others have substantial forests. The degree of district involvement in forestry activities is related to the amount of forests within each district. Different districts emphasize forestry at different levels – some having limited programs and others having relatively broad involvement.

WACD’s forestry work is evolving and will change over time. A first step is determining what forestry expertise we have, what the issues are, what our priorities ought to be, and how to manage and fund forestry activities. We are looking at impacts of the 2008 Farm Bill, partnering opportunities, and how to organize ourselves for success. Initially, we are looking at forest management, omitting some established programs like Firewise. Firewise has been up and running in several districts for a few years and is somewhat “ahead” of our forestry activities. As we develop our forestry program, the forestry and Firewise groups will re-look at our organization, and in the meantime will work and coordinate with each other.