Forest Stewardship Planning: A Healthier Future for Your Forest

What Is a Forest Stewardship Plan?

A Forest Stewardship Plan is a personalized, long-term roadmap for managing your forestland. It helps landowners protect, improve, and enjoy their woods while meeting personal, environmental, and economic goals. Whether you're interested in wildlife habitat, wildfire risk reduction, timber production, recreation, or simply preserving your family forest—your plan is tailored to your unique needs.

These plans are created in alignment with Washington State Conservation Commission and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service guidelines, making them eligible for technical and financial assistance programs.

Benefits of Having a Stewardship Plan

✅ Wildfire Resilience
Learn how to reduce fuel loads, create defensible space, and prepare your forest for a changing climate.

✅ Wildlife Habitat Improvement
Enhance habitats for birds, pollinators, deer, and other native species.

✅ Timber & Forest Health Management
Improve tree growth, control invasive species, and identify pests or diseases before they spread.

✅ Access to Cost-Share Programs
Plans developed to NRCS standards can qualify you for cost-share funding through programs like EQIP or CSP.

✅ Long-Term Legacy Planning
Ensure your forest remains healthy and productive for future generations.

✅ Carbon Sequestration & Climate Adaptation
Help mitigate climate change and promote sustainable forest practices

Forest Stewardship Plans (FY 2025–2026)

Helping Landowners Care for Their Forests

Are you a landowner with 5–25 acres of forested property? The Pend Oreille Conservation District is offering free Forest Stewardship Plans to help you manage, protect, and enhance your forest.

For the fiscal year July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026, POCD can issue up to 8 Forest Stewardship Plans (subject to available funding).

What’s Included in a Forest Stewardship Plan?

Our team will guide you through a simple, step-by-step process:

Visit Your Property
We’ll walk your land with you to understand your goals and evaluate its unique features.
Assess Forest Conditions
Our forester will identify tree species, stand health, potential hazards, and opportunities for habitat or fuel reduction improvements.
Develop a Custom Plan
You’ll receive a tailored Forest Stewardship Plan outlining management recommendations, timelines, and practices that fit your property.
Connect You with Resources
We’ll help you apply for cost-share funding or conservation incentive programs (such as fuels reduction or habitat restoration projects) so you can put your plan into action.

How to Apply

Availability is limited to 8 landowners for FY 25–26. Plans are provided at no cost for eligible landowners (5–25 acres).

✅ Wildfire ResilienceLearn how to reduce fuel loads, create defensible space, and prepare your forest for a changing climate.

✅ Wildlife Habitat ImprovementEnhance habitats for birds, pollinators, deer, and other native species.

✅ Timber & Forest Health ManagementImprove tree growth, control invasive species, and identify pests or diseases before they spread.

✅ Access to Cost-Share ProgramsPlans developed to NRCS standards can qualify you for cost-share funding through programs like EQIP or CSP.

✅ Long-Term Legacy PlanningEnsure your forest remains healthy and productive for future generations.

✅ Carbon Sequestration & Climate AdaptationHelp mitigate climate change and promote sustainable forest practices