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WSU Extension forestry program reports high take-up and behavior change among island landowners; field day planned Sept. 27
Summary
Washington State University extension staff reported that local forest-owner education leads to high rates of on‑the‑ground activity: 88% of participants implement new practices within a year and notable acreage of habitat work followed coursework. Extension will hold a San Juan Islands field day Sept. 27 at 3 Meadows,
Washington State University Extension forestry staff briefed the council July 15 on the county‑partnered forest stewardship program and announced a regional San Juan Islands Forest Owners Field Day for Saturday, Sept. 27.
Program and local uptake: Extension’s multi‑week Forest Stewardship Coach Planning course and online equivalents teach forest health, fire‑wise home protection, invasive control and sustainable harvest planning. Local landowners Ron and Janet Eames described repeated attendance and working with WSU staff to thin, reduce fire risk and prepare stewardship plans for their property and for the 3 Meadows neighborhood.
Program results: Program evaluation surveys show strong outcomes: 88% of course participants implement new practices within a year; 17% seek cost-share to implement projects; 82% perform invasive-weed control and 84% report reduced weed coverage after three years. Extension reported $3.3 million in recent regional income from management activities tied to participants’ projects and said the educational model yields high return on public investment because most participants act without cost share after training.
Why it matters: Extension staff emphasized the program’s role in improving forest health and wildfire resilience; an Island‑focused field day will demonstrate hands‑on practices. The council received the briefing as part of county outreach on natural‑resource stewardship and hazard mitigation.
Next steps: Extension will run the Sept. 27 field day at 3 Meadows and continue coach planning and webinar programs; staff asked council to help circulate notices to island audiences.
