2024 WFCA LookBook

WESTERN FORESTRY & CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION CELEBRATING 115 YEARS OF HIGH-QUALITY CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR THE FORESTRY PROFESSIONAL

Newsletter / January 2024

Contents

PAGE 1 DIRECTOR’S NOTE PAGE 2 ABOUT WFCA PAGE 3 CELEBRATING 115 YEARS

PAGE 5 OUR TIMELINE PAGE 7 ANNUAL EVENTS PAGE 11 CONFERENCE MANAGEMENT

PAGE 12 SAF WESTERN FORESTER PAGE 13 INLAND EMPIRE TREE IMPROVEMENT COOPERATIVE

PAGE 14 HELPING FORESTS WALK PAGE 15 OUTREACH EFFORTS PAGE 16 #FORESTPROUD

PAGE 17 COMMS. CALENDAR PAGE 19 NEXT GENERATION PAGE 20 NAME THAT SPOT

Western Forestry & Conservation Association’s newsletter is an annual print publication. All issues are also available online. To receive this publication or to be added to the distribution list, contact info@westernforestry.org.

This publication was proudly printed at Print NW, an SFI Chain-of-Custody certified print shop.

Director‘s Note Dear Reader, In 1909, a group of forestry and timber professionals came together to promote sound management and resource protection throughout the western region.

Since then, WFCA has been connecting loggers, foresters and scientists with the education and training they need to be stewards of our forests for the benefit of all.

While wildfire continues to be the professional challenge it has always been, in the 21st century we are also faced with several new obstacles that our founders could have never foreseen: the declining quality of technical education in our universities, a silver tsunami as baby boomers age out of the workforce, and a lack of understanding by the general public of the ecological and economic importance of working timberlands.

In my first year at the helm, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand how WFCA is a vital connecting force among our forestry community. I could not be prouder to continue our work in bringing people and groups together to provide professional trainings, share knowledge, and address these modern challenges.

As I look to foster a resilient organization that respects the legacy of past directors while meeting the needs of the present, you may see that things look a little different. Public-facing engagement needs to be a priority for all of us in order to cultivate a new generation of foresters, engineers, millwrights and loggers. From attending career fairs to joining as a supporter of #forestproud, WFCA is undertaking a commitment to outreach. I invite you to join me in these efforts as we navigate the future of forestry together.

Nicole Jacobsen, Executive Director

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WESTERN

est. 1909

FORESTRY

&

CONSERVATION

ASSOCIATION www.WesternForestry.org

The mission of the Western Forestry & Conservation Association is to promote forest stewardship in western North America. We achieve this by:

WFCA coordinates events ranging from half-day group meetings to week-long field trips and conferences on the science and practice of forest management. These are often cosponsored with partner organizations and/or funded through cooperative research and education grants.

* Poem is an excerpt from the 1919 edition of the Forest Patrolman, an early WFCA publication

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Offering high-quality continuing education for natural resource professionals; Disseminating forestry research and technical information to those interested in the social, environmental and economic values of western forests; and Coordinating technical groups of federal, provincial and state governments, universities, forestrelated industries, and others involved in forest resources.

Founded in 1909 by forest managers and researchers in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, WFCA member companies and partner organizations are now located throughout the world.

A Century of Forward Thinking Celebrating 115 years

of Educating Foresters & Natural Resource Professionals 2024 is a special year, marking the 115th anniversary of the Western Forestry and Conservation Association. Our association was founded at a very different time — when the idea of forestry was in its infancy. In the early 1900s, national forests and the U.S. Forest Service had just been established. The vast stands of old growth forests stretching across the Pacific Northwest were seen as unlimited resources. Ahead of the curve, we were founded to help conserve and protect forests and their resources.

Our Fiery Beginning Initially, the Western Forestry and Conservation Association dealt with forest fires. The year after its founding, 1910, was marked by a punishing set of wildfires that burnt over three million acres of the Pacific Northwest. The association informed schools, state officials, local associations, clubs, railroads and civic groups about fire protection while also supplying newspapers with bulletins and news.

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However, our fledging group soon began tackling other major issues like reforestation, lumber, tax revision, insect control, sustainable yields and insurance. Complete with annual meetings, it evolved into an information hub across the western U.S. and Canada for state forest boards, conservation groups, the Forest Service, private owners and associations.

In the 1940s, our association turned its attention to sustained yields, training and long-term forest growth. In the first few decades of our history, we also had a hand in passing major legislation such as the Sustained Forestry Yield Management Act. Another was the Clarke-McNary Act, which made it easier for the Forest Service to purchase land, and expanded protections for fire and water resources.

Our Directors

E. T. Allen

H. J. Hodgins

W. Gerald Burch

Nicole Jacobsen

1909

2023

John L. Aram

Clarence Richen

Richard Zabel

Where We Are Today Over the years, we have offered continuing education, shared forestry research, and managed conferences and events.

Here’s to another century of forestry work!

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WFCA Timeline

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1900

George S. Long is appointed General Manager of the Weyerhauser Timber Company.

1902

The Encyclopedia Britannica lists forestry as an entry.

1909

George S. Long founds the Western Forestry & Conservation Association.

1910

At WFCA’s request, President Taft orders troops to fight fires in the Pacific Northwest.

1911

WFCA publishes a popular textbook on forestry & Congress passes the Weeks Act.

1919

WFCA launches the Forest Patrolman, a bulletin that runs monthly until 1927.

1921

WFCA starts to study the land taxation system and timber insurance for forestry.

1924

The Clarke-McNary Act is passed due to efforts of WFCA and the U.S. Forest Service.

1944

The U.S. Forest Service launches its Smokey Bear advertising campaign to prevent wildfires.

1944

The Sustained Yield Forestry Management Act is passed largely due to WFCA’s efforts.

1947

WFCA starts sponsoring an essay contest for juniors and seniors at western forestry universities.

1955

WFCA aids with the establishment of the American Forest Research Council.

1970

The first Earth Day is celebrated to raise awareness of pollution and toxic waste.

1980

Mount St. Helens erupts, causing over $3 billion in damages.

1997

The Kyoto Protocol is signed by countries agreeing to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Photo Credits: U.S. Forest Service, the Seattle Public Library

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Annual Events

January Council of Forest Engineers (COFE) Meeting A one-day annual meeting with presentations, student awards, and CFE credits Organized for the Western Region of the Council of Forest Engineers Held the second week of January in Lebanon, OR Mapping the Course A one-day conference focused on forestry, the market outlook for forest products, and relevant science and policy updates Meant for financial managers and planners, it often includes an optional workshop Held the third week of January in Vancouver, WA

February WA SFI® Implementation Committee Quarterly Meeting A half-day business meeting that includes invited speakers. This hybrid meeting includes an optional workshop or training starting in 2024.

Held the first Wednesday of February; location TBD

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Cable Logging / Skyline Safety Course A one-day course focused on safety on and around cable logging operations Meant for field staff, it will soon include an in-field component Held the last week of February; location changes annually

March Inland Empire Restoration Council Conference A two-day annual conference with invited presentations, student awards, and CFE credits Organized in conjunction with the Inland Empire Tree Improvement Coop’s Annual Meeting Held the second week of March in Coeur d’Alene, ID Variable Probability Short Course A long-standing (65+ years running!) in-depth training organized with Jim Kiser and collaborators Held at OSU during spring break

April Operational Lidar & Inventory (OLI) A one-day conference with invited presentations, hybrid/livestreaming, and group discussions Organized in conjunction with the Growth Model User Group (see below) in Vancouver, WA Growth Model User Group (GMUG) A one-day conference with invited presentations, hybrid/livestreaming, and group discussions

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Summer WA SFI® Implementation Committee Quarterly Meeting A half-day business meeting that includes invited speakers This hybrid meeting will include an optional in-field component starting in 2024 Held the first Wednesday of June; location TBD Forest Pathology Workshop A long-standing, in-depth training organized by the USFS and collaborators Held in the Hood River area in June Forest Nursery & Seed Orchard Conferences Regional annual conferences focused on forest nursery topics held in various locations across the country, usually during summer Organized in conjunction with the USFS Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetics Resources program, the Intertribal Nursery Group and regional seed orchard managers Regional Mensurationists & Forest Economists Meetings Annual meetings of the various regional chapters held throughout the country Organized with the regional chapters and groups of mensurationists and forest economists

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Fall Topical Trainings Inventory Methods Regulation Updates Scaling Road Surfacing Steep Slopes Others, as instructors are available Contact nicole@westernforestry.org with suggestions!

September Scaling For Non-Scalers A one-day meeting on the scaling process with CFE credits Held the second week of September in Wilsonville, OR

October WA SFI® Implementation Committee Quarterly Meeting A half-day business meeting that includes invited speakers This hybrid meeting will include an optional workshop component starting in 2024.

Held the first Wednesday of October; location TBD

December PNW Vegetation Management Conference A two-day conference that includes invited speakers on a range of forest and vegetation management topics Offered for approved pesticide applicator recertification credits in WA, OR, and ID Held the first full week of December in Wilsonville, OR

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Conference Management WFCA SPECIALIZES IN PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP LOGISTICS Have a large and/or complex meeting you’re dreading planning? Below are just a few of the ways WFCA can help: Registration & Marketing Work with WFCA to create a seamless registration process for your event, including online and hard-copy payment processing and email marketing to your group, our group or both.

Vendor Coordination Lodging and meeting room booking and payment, event food and drink coordination, and on-site assistance as a vendor liaison are all part of the WFCA event management package.

Financial Management WFCA manages incoming and outgoing money and provides a detailed budget for each event. If desired, WFCA can also hold carryover revenue for annual events.

Online Resources Livestreaming makes your event accessible. Group and event website management and online course posting are add-ons.

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PHOTO FROM 2023 WESTERN FOREST ECONOMISTS MEETING IN PORTLAND, OR.

CONTACT WFCA NICOLE@WESTERNFORESTRY.ORG TO START PLANNING YOUR NEXT EVENT.

First Bilingual Edition The Western Forester ¡Noticias! The latest edition of the Society of American Foresters Northwest Office's quarterly newsletter, the Western Forester, is available in both English and Spanish. We partnered with the Society of American Foresters to launch the first bilingual edition this fall.

With an audience of over 2,000 members already, the Spanish version of the newsletter was aimed at the Latinx forestry workforce and their families. This edition focused on workforce development, which both organizations felt should address the needs of both job seekers and employers.

The goal was to encourage potential employees to consider careers in forestry.

Scan QR to read the Western Forester

The Western Forester is made possible by Alaska, Oregon, and Washington Society of American Foresters members' dues and through advertising support. Talks are currently underway about continuing bilingual issues of the newsletter.

Editor of the Western Forester Andrea Watts is a freelance science writer based in western Washington. Having grown up surrounded by trees, it was only natural that she write about forestry.

Andrea has undergraduate degrees in both English and environmental science with a focus on forestry, as well as a master's degree. In addition to editing the Western Forester, she writes for the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station and Rocky Mountain Research Station.

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Inland Empire Tree Improvement Cooperative The Inland Empire Tree Improvement Cooperative (IETIC) is a collection of 19 groups across Washington, Idaho and Montana. This assembly of federal and state agencies, Native American tribes, the forestry industry and local universities aims to produce genetically improved conifer seeds for healthy and productive forests.

In the 1960s, foresters recognized the potential for genetically improving conifers native to the Inland Empire. The first meeting to plan for the coop was held in 1965, and the organization was officially founded in 1968.

Currently based out of the University of Idaho, their work focuses on five species: ponderosa pine, western white pine, western larch, Douglas-fir, and lodgepole pine.

Using traditional breeding methods, they’ve done 120 field tests on

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1 million seedlings of 5 tree species!

Other accomplishments include: Creating a large pedigreed gene pool with scientific value.

Learning how to better manage land for timber production.

Developing operational guidelines for seed transfer within the Inland Empire.

Identifying proper cone collection, seed extraction and handling techniques, and seedling growing, handling and planting techniques.

Providing access to genetic material for establishing seed and breeding orchards.

Providing genetically improved western white pine and ponderosa pine seed for reforestation projects.

Helping Forests Walk What is Assisted Migration?

Assisted migration is gaining headway as a viable forestry management option under global warming. In general, assisted migration is when people move plants or animals in response to climate change. In particular: Assisted population migration refers to moving seed sources to new locations within a species range.

Assisted species migration is moving species far outside their historical range, which is considered more risky.

Why is it necessary?

The rapid pace of climate change can overwhelm a tree’s ability to adapt or migrate to a more suitable habitat. Some species are already shifting their distributions, but conditions are changing 2 to 100 times faster than trees can naturally migrate.

For instance, by 2080, Washington’s annual average temperature is predicted to increase by ~5 to 10 °F. What are the benefits of assisted migration?

Assisted migration may maintain forest productivity while providing benefits like carbon uptake and wildlife habitat.

Moving tree species to many locations can mitigate climate change risks and help save threatened species.

The Seedlot Selection Tool helps plan for climate change during reforestation projects, while the USDA Northwest Climate Hub provides climate resilient reforestation guidelines.

What are some of the challenges?

Pests or insects could be accidentally introduced to new areas.

Assisted migration may be more costly than traditional regeneration methods, especially natural regeneration.

Newly introduced species could become invasive or hybridize with native species.

Assisted Population Migration in the Northwest Researchers and land managers have established a new experimental network of over 30 sites, The Experimental Network for Assisted Migration and Establishment Silviculture.

Spanning a range of forested ownerships in Washington, Oregon and California, this network evaluates the success of assisted population migration treatments.

A main objective is to sustain forests by understanding where, what and how to plant.

It uses seed sources adapted to historical, early-, mid- and late-century climate projections.

The network is also testing the effects of different silvicultural practices on reforestation success, including planting density, stock type and vegetation control.

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Emphasis on Outreach

Forestry and its related sectors offer local family-wage jobs with great benefits and room to move throughout the career lattice. Many of us get to work outside, engage with trees and wildlife on a regular basis, and know that our work with managed forests is contributing to climate solutions.

So why aren’t more young people drawn to this work?

Whether due to antiquated ideas of what forestry and logging are like or an urbanized population that lacks access or awareness to opportunities in natural resources, the general public seems to have a lack of enthusiasm for forestry. The best way to overcome this is through outreach.

WFCA is committed to being a hub of knowledge and resources for forestry professionals in the western region — this is true when it comes to outreach, too! Many organizations and small business lack the capacity to do strategic outreach, so we’ve put together a section to support your in-person or online communication efforts.

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Need help coming up with dynamic messaging to overcome decades of anti-forestry sentiment? Sign up to be an organizational supporter of #forestproud and gain access to their innovative and engaging content library.

Want to do social media, but running out of ideas? Choose from one of our compiled awareness holidays and highlight how managed forests clean the air, support wildlife, create energy independence and reduce wildfire risk.

Going to college & career fair? Many young people may be interested in forestry, but aren’t sure the right path to take. We’ve put together a list of 2-year and 4 -year programs in the western region focused on forestry, wildland fire and natural resources.

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Communicating together Are you #forestproud?

We all know the myriad benefits that managed forests provide for our economy and the environment. The problem is the general public doesn’t. That’s where #forestproud comes in.

Photo credit: Tom Shorey, Fruit growers Supply Company

That’s why, as of 2024, WFCA is proud to sign on as an organizational supporter of #forestproud. This platform will be a dynamic tool to engage with the next generation as we work to cultivate future forestry professionals.

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MANAGED FORESTS ARE THE SOLUTION

#forestproud is a “cutting-edge brand, program, and community committed to stewarding and championing forest climate solutions”. This communications platform, now housed under SAF, unites all sectors of the forestry industry with a common external message: Forest management is the solution — the solution to a green economy, the solution to healthy communities, the solution to robust wildlife and the solution to wildfire reduction.

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Communications Calendar Need ideas for engaging the public about forestry, workforce development or environmental benefits of managed forests in 2024?

January

April

International Quality of Life Month National Mentoring Month Jan 05 - Nat'l. Bird Day Jan 09 - I am a Mentor Day Jan 10 - Nat'l. Cut Your Energy Costs Day Jan 17 - Int'l. Mentoring Day Jan 20 - Take A Walk Outdoors Day Jan 24 - U.N. Int'l. Day of Education Jan 26 - World Environmental Education Day Jan 26 - U.N. Int'l. Day of Clean Energy Jan 28 - Int'l. Reducing CO2 Emissions Day

Citizen Science Month Children and Nature Awareness Month National Internship Awareness Month National Supply Chain Integrity Month National Volunteer Month Apr 01-07* - Arbor week (OR) Apr 08 - All Is Ours Day Apr 10 - Arbor Day (WA) Apr 08-14 - Canadian National Wildlife Week Apr 08-15* - Int'l. Dark Sky Week Apr 13 - Int'l. Plant Appreciation Day Apr 21-27* - Nat'l. Environmental Education Week Apr 21-27* - Chemists Celebrate Earth Week Apr 22 - Earth Day April 26 - Audubon Day April 26* - Arbor Day Apr 28 - May 05 - Stewardship Week

February Youth Leadership Month Career and Technical Education Month Feb 01 - US Forest Service’s birthday Feb 02 - World Wetlands Day Feb 11 - Nat'l. Inventors' Day Feb 11 - Int'l. Day of Women & Girls in Science Feb 16-19* - Global Bird Count Feb 18-24 - Engineers Week Feb 22 - Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day Feb 22 - Nat’l. Wildlife Day Feb 26 - Mar 03 - Invasive Species Awareness Week

May Clean Air Month Wildfire Awareness Month American Wetlands Month May 4 - Wildfire Community Preparedness Day May 05-11* - Public Service Recognition Week May 11 - World Migratory Bird Day May 17 - Nat'l. Endangered Species Day May 22 - Int'l. Day for Biological Diversity

March Expanding Girls’ Horizons in Science and Engineering Month Mar 03 - U.N. World Wildlife Day Mar 04 - World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development Mar 10-16 - Groundwater Awareness Week Mar 17-23 - National Surveyors Week Mar 21 - U.N. Int'l. Day of Forests Mar 21 - Global Surveyors Day Mar 22 - U.N. World Water Day

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June Great Outdoors Month National Rivers Month National Camping Month June 1 - Nat'l. Trails Day June 5 - World Environment Day June 3-9 - Canadian Environment Week June 08* - National Get Outdoors Day June 15 - Nature Photography Day Jun 21 - Indigenous People's Day (Canada)

July

October

Wild About Wildlife Month Park and Recreation Month Jun 30 - Jul 06 - Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance Jul 02 - National Wildland Firefighter Day Jul 06* - Hop-A-Park Day Jul 10 - Global Energy Independence Day Jul 10-16* - Nat’l. Forest Week Jul 12 - Paper Bag Day Jul 15 - World Youth Skills Day Jul 28 - World Nature Conservation Day

Raptor Month Energy Awareness Month National Field Trip Month Oct 4 - Manufacturing Day Oct 3 - World Animal Day Oct 9 - World Post Day Oct 11 - Int'l. Day of the Girl Oct 13 - Int’l. Day of Disaster Risk Reduction Oct 13-19 - Earth Science Week Oct 14 - Indigenous Peoples' Day Oct 14 - World Migratory Bird Day Oct 15 - Int'l. Day of Rural Women Oct 24 - Int'l. Day of Climate Action

August Tree Check Month National Parks Month National Water Quality Month Aug 9 - Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples Aug 12 - Int'l. Youth Day

September National Wilderness Month Workforce Development Month Sep 4 - Nat’l. Wildlife Day Sep 7 - World Tourism Day Sep 7 - Int’l. Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies Sep 15-21 - Truck Driver Appreciation Week Sep 22 - World Rivers Day Sep 28 - National Public Lands Day

November World Recycling Month Native American Heritage Month Nov 8 - National STEM/STEAM Day Nov 11-17* - Geographic Awareness Week Nov 15 - America Recycles Day Nov 17 - Nat’l. Hiking Day Nov 19 - Nat’l. Camp Day Nov 29 - Native American Heritage Day Nov 20* - GIS Day

December Made In America Month Dec 4 - Wildlife Conservation Day Dec 5 - World Soil Day Dec 11 - Int’l. Mountain Day Dec 14 - Jan 5 Audubon Christmas Bird Count Dec 19 - Look for an Evergreen Day *dates change year to year

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Grow the Next Generation 4-year programs aren’t for everyone.

Many young people are no longer interested in the time or financial investment of a 4year degree, at least not right out of high school. Fortunately, the Northwest offers many certificate and 2-year programs that provide a technical education perfect for beginning a career in forestry or natural resources management. Highlight some of these programs at your next outreach event.

Oregon

Washington

Central Oregon Community College AAS, Forest Resources Technology* AAS, GIS Clackamas Community College Certificate, Wildland Fire Forestry AAS, Wildland Fire Management Mt. Hood Community College AAS, Natural Resources Technology: Forest Resources* Portland Community College AAS, Geomatics Southwestern Oregon Community College AS, Forest Engineering AS, Forest Management AS, Forest Management/Forest Restoration and Fire AS, Forest Management/Operations Management AS, Natural Resources AS, Wood Innovation for Sustainability: Science & Engineering Tillamook Bay Community College AS, Forestry AS, Natural Resources Treasure Valley Community College AAS, AS, Natural Resources AAS, Wildland Fire Management Umpqua Community College AS, Forest Engineering AS, Forest Management AS, Forest Restoration & Fire AS, Forest Operations

Bates Technical College Certificate of training, Wildland Firefighter II AAS, Civil & Environmental Engineering Clark College AAS, Surveying/Geomatics Clover Park Technical College AAS-T, Environmental Sciences & Technology Everett Community College Certificate of training, Wildland Firefighter II Grays Harbor College AAS, Natural Resources/Forestry Technician Green River College AAS, Natural Resources - Forestry* AAS, Natural Resources - GIS AAS, Natural Resources - Wildland Fire Peninsula College AAS-T, Natural Resources Renton Technical College AAS, Land Surveying Technician/Geospatial Science Spokane Community College AAS, Natural Resources - Forestry AAS, Arboriculture/Urban Forestry Walla Walla Community College AAS-T, Watershed Management - Forestry Wenatchee Valley College AAS-T, Natural Resources * SAF Accredited

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Interested in more?

Check out our outreach packet for an extensive list of relevant post-secondary programs in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington, and British Columbia.

Name That Spot & win some swag!

Do you recognize this forestry locale?

Let us know your best guess by e-mailing info@westernforestry.org.

First 20 people to respond to us will win some WFCA 115th anniversary merchandise and a #forestproud sticker.

Want to test your fellow forestry professionals?

E-mail us with suggestions for the next ‘Name That Spot’

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Connect with us Address: 4033 SW Canyon Road Portland, OR 97221

Phone: 503-226-4562 E-mail: info@westernforestry.org Instagram: @western_forestry_conservation