Family forestry workshop dates set

The University of Idaho Extension will host its annual Family Foresters Workshop next month in Coeur d'Alene.

Family-owned forests are vital to the economy and quality of life in the Inland Northwest, and the workshop gives industry officials and family foresters the tools and skills they need. The lands are critical for wildlife habitat, timber supply, water quality and many other values. 

Unique skills are required of foresters and other natural resource professionals who help family forest owners manage their property. The workshop is designed to strengthen the skills of consulting foresters, state-employed service foresters and other natural resource professionals who work with family forest owners. It serves as a forum to provide updates on emerging technology and knowledge applicable to family forestry. The program will be held Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at The Coeur d’Alene Resort in Coeur d’Alene. 

Presentations include:

• The current and future state of federal forestry cost sharing programs: Cindy Lewis, Natural Resources Conservation Service

• Opportunities for consulting foresters with Good Neighbor Authority and similar efforts to support federal land management: Ed Wingert, Idaho Department of Lands

• What’s new with logging systems? Ryer Becker, University of Idaho

• SmartWood — A new use for forest products: Karl Englund, Washington State University

• The value of the Society of American Forester and the Association of Consulting Foresters Anjel Tamyko and Mike Wolcott

• Demonstration of artificial intelligence platforms for forestry communication: Jason Thomas, University of Idaho

• Update on drone technology and laws: Jason Karl, University of Idaho

• Engaging citizen science on forest water quality: Jim Ekins, University of Idaho

• Family forest economics/policy update: Greg Latta, University of Idaho

The workshop is eligible for Society of American Foresters and Pro-Logger continuing education credits. The program can accommodate up to 100 people. Registration forms are available at local University of Idaho and Washington State University Extension offices and should be returned by Jan. 16. 

A $110 registration fee covers handouts and refreshments. Online registration with a credit card is available by going to: marketplace.uidaho.edu/, then scrolling to, and clicking on “University of Idaho Extension: Panhandle Forestry.” For questions on the program, contact: Chris Schnepf at 1-208-292-1288 or Andy Perleberg at 1-509-667-6540.