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 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 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.

Free Forest Stewardship Plans from POCD

Pend Oreille Conservation District is proud to offer FREE Forest Stewardship Plans to private landowners in Pend Oreille County. Thanks to funding from the Washington State Conservation Commission’s Forest Health Program, we can connect you with a contracted forester to:

• Visit your property
• Assess forest conditions
• Develop a custom forest stewardship plan
• Assist with applications for cost-share programs or conservation incentives