WFCA Newsletter 2024

WESTERN FORESTRY & CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

CELEBRATING 115 YEARS OF HIGH-QUALITY CONTINUING

EDUCATION FOR THE FORESTRY PROFESSIONAL

PAGE1 DIRECTOR’SNOTE

PAGE2 ABOUTWFCA

PAGE3 CELEBRATING115YEARS

PAGE5 OURTIMELINE

PAGE7 ANNUALEVENTS

PAGE11 CONFERENCEMANAGEMENT

Director‘sNote

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, Western Forestry & Conservation Association 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

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

Offering high-quality continuing education for natural resources 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, forest-related 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.

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 events are often co-sponsored with partner organizations and/or funded through cooperative research and education grants.

ACenturyof ForwardThinking

Celebrating 115 years

of Educating Foresters & Natural Resources Professionals

2024 is a special year, marking the 115th anniversary of the Western Forestry & 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 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 & 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. Our association informed schools, state officials, local associations, clubs, railroads and civic groups about fire protection while also supplying newspapers with bulletins and news

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 longterm 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

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!

John L Aram

Clarence Richen

Richard Zabel

E. T. Allen

H. J. Hodgins W. Gerald Burch Nicole Jacobsen

1909

WFCATimeline

1900 1902

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

The Encyclopedia Britannica lists forestry as an entry

1909

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

1910

1911

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

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

1924

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

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

1947

1955

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

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

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

1970

WFCA aids with the establishment of the American Forest Research Council 1944 1944 1980

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

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: Left - Seattle Public Library Above - U S Forest Service

AnnualEvents

January

CouncilofForestEngineers(COFE)Meeting

Aone-dayannualmeetingwithpresentations,studentawards,andCFEcredits OrganizedfortheWesternRegionoftheCouncilofForestEngineers

HeldthesecondweekofJanuaryinLebanon,OR

MappingtheCourse

Aone-dayconferencefocusedonforestry,themarketoutlookforforestproducts,and relevantscienceandpolicyupdates

Meantforfinancialmanagersandplanners,itoftenincludesanoptionalworkshop

HeldthethirdweekofJanuaryinVancouver,WA

February

WASFI®ImplementationCommitteeQuarterlyMeeting

Ahalf-daybusinessmeetingthatincludesinvitedspeakers.Thishybrid meetingincludesanoptionalworkshoportrainingstartingin2024. HeldthefirstWednesdayofFebruary;locationTBD

CableLogging/SkylineSafetyCourse

Aone-daycoursefocusedonsafetyonandaroundcablelogging operations

Meantforfieldstaff,itwillsoonincludeanin-fieldcomponent

HeldthelastweekofFebruary;locationchangesannually

Atwo-dayannualconferencewithinvitedpresentations,studentawards,andCFE credits

OrganizedinconjunctionwiththeInlandEmpireTreeImprovementCoop’sAnnual Meeting

HeldthesecondweekofMarchinCoeurd’Alene,ID

VariableProbabilityShortCourse

Along-standing(65+yearsrunning!)in-depthtrainingorganizedwithJimKiser andcollaborators

HeldatOSUduringspringbreak

April

OperationalLidar&Inventory(OLI)

Aone-dayconferencewithinvitedpresentations,hybrid/livestreaming, andgroupdiscussions

OrganizedinconjunctionwiththeGrowthModelUserGroup(seebelow) inVancouver,WA

GrowthModelUserGroup(GMUG)

Aone-dayconferencewithinvitedpresentations,hybrid/livestreaming, andgroupdiscussions

May-August

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

FallTopicalTrainings

InventoryMethods RegulationUpdates Scaling

RoadSurfacing SteepSlopes

Others,asinstructorsareavailable Contactnicole@westernforestry.org withsuggestions!

September

ScalingForNon-Scalers

Aone-daymeetingonthescalingprocess withCFEcredits HeldthesecondweekofSeptemberin Wilsonville,OR

October

WASFI®ImplementationCommittee QuarterlyMeeting

Ahalf-daybusinessmeetingthatincludes invitedspeakers

Thishybridmeetingwillincludeanoptional workshopcomponentstartingin2024. HeldthefirstWednesdayofOctober; locationTBD

December

PNWVegetationManagementConference

Atwo-dayconferencethatincludesinvited speakersonarangeofforestand vegetationmanagementtopics

Offeredforapprovedpesticideapplicator recertificationcreditsinWA,OR,andID HeldthefirstfullweekofDecemberin Wilsonville,OR

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

PHOTO FROM 2023 WESTERN FOREST ECONOMISTS MEETING IN PORTLAND OR

FirstBilingualEdition

The Western Forester

¡Noticias! Last fall, the Society of American Foresters Northwest Office's quarterly newsletter, the Western Forester, was made available in both English and Spanish. WFCA partnered with the Society of American Foresters to launch this first bilingual edition

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 silviculture & science communication

In addition to editing the Western Forester, she writes for the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station and Rocky Mountain Research Station

InlandEmpireTree ImprovementCooperative

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.

Other accomplishments include:

Creating a large pedigreed gene pool with scientific value

Learning how to better manage land for timber production

Using traditional breeding methods,

Developing operational guidelines for seed transfer within the Inland Empire

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

Providing access to genetic material for establishing seed and breeding orchards

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

HelpingForestsWalk

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

EmphasisonOutreach

Forestry and its related sectors offer local family-wage jobs with great benefits and room to move throughoutthecareerlattice Manyofusgettoworkoutside,engagewithtreesandwildlifeonaregular basis,andknowthatourworkwithmanagedforestsiscontributingtoclimatesolutions.

Sowhyaren’tmoreyoungpeopledrawntothiswork?

Whetherduetoantiquatedideasofwhatforestryandloggingareoranurbanizedpopulationthatlacks accessandawarenesstoopportunitiesinnaturalresources,thegeneralpublicseemstohavealackof enthusiasmforforestry Thebestwaytoovercomethisisthroughoutreach.

WFCAiscommittedtobeingahubofknowledgeandresourcesforforestryprofessionalsinthewestern 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 communicationefforts.

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 innovativeandengagingcontentlibrary

Want to do social media, but running out of ideas? Choose from one of our compiled awareness holidaysandhighlighthowmanagedforestscleantheair,supportwildlife,createenergyindependence andreducewildfirerisk.

Goingtoacollege&careerfair?Manyyoungpeoplemaybeinterestedinforestry,butaren’tsurethe right path to take We’ve put together a list of 2-year and 4 -year programs in the western region focusedonforestry,wildlandfireandnaturalresources.

P A G E 1 0

MANAGED

FORESTS ARE THE SOLUTION

Communicating Together

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 #forestproudcomesin

#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 theforestryindustry withacommonexternal message.Forestmanagementisthesolution the solution to a green economy, the solution to healthy communities, the solution to robust wildlife, and the solution to wildfire reduction

That’swhy,asof2024,WFCAisproudtosign on as an organizational supporter of #forestproud.Thisplatformwillbeadynamic tool to engage with the next generation as we work to cultivate future forestry professionals

P A G E 1 0

Communications Calendar

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

January

InternationalQualityofLifeMonth NationalMentoringMonth

Jan05-Nat'l BirdDay

Jan09-IamaMentorDay

Jan10-Nat'l CutYourEnergyCostsDay

Jan17-Int'l.MentoringDay

Jan20-TakeAWalkOutdoorsDay

Jan24-U.N.Int'l.DayofEducation

Jan26-WorldEnvironmentalEducationDay

Jan26-U.N.Int'l.DayofCleanEnergy

Jan28-Int'l.ReducingCO2EmissionsDay

February

YouthLeadershipMonth CareerandTechnicalEducationMonth

Feb01-USForestService’sbirthday

Feb02-WorldWetlandsDay

Feb11-Nat'l Inventors'Day

Feb11-Int'l DayofWomen&GirlsinScience

Feb16-19*-GlobalBirdCount

Feb18-24-EngineersWeek

Feb22-IntroduceaGirltoEngineeringDay

Feb22-Nat’l WildlifeDay

Feb26-Mar03-InvasiveSpeciesAwarenessWeek

March

ExpandingGirls’HorizonsinScienceand EngineeringMonth

Mar03-UN WorldWildlifeDay

Mar04-WorldEngineeringDayforSustainable Development

Mar10-16-GroundwaterAwarenessWeek

Mar17-23-NationalSurveyorsWeek

Mar21-UN Int'l DayofForests

Mar21-GlobalSurveyorsDay

Mar22-UN WorldWaterDay

April

Citizen Science Month

Children and Nature Awareness Month

National Internship Awareness Month

National Supply Chain Integrity 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 22 - Earth Day

April 26 - Audubon Day

April 26* - Arbor Day

Apr 28 - May 05 - Stewardship 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

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

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

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

*dates change year to year

October

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

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

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 4-year 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

Central Oregon Community College

Certificate/AAS, Forest Resources Technology*

Certificate/AAS, GIS

Clackamas Community College

Certificate, Wildland Fire Forestry

AAS, Wildland Fire Management

Certificate, GIS

Mt. Hood Community College

AAS, Natural Resources Technology: Forest Resources*

Portland Community College

Certificate/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, Forestry

AS, Forest Restoration & Fire

AS, Forest Engineering

Washington

Bates Technical College

Certificate of training, Wildland Firefighter II

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

Certificate/AAS, Natural Resources/Forestry Technician

Green River College

AAS, Natural Resources - Forestry*

AAS, Natural Resources - GIS

AAS, Natural Resources - Wildland Fire

Peninsula College

Certificate/AAS-T, Natural Resources

Spokane Community College

AAS, Natural Resource Management

Certificate, Natural Resources Technologies in Geographic Information Systems

Certificate/AAS, Arboriculture/Urban Forestry

Walla Walla Community College

AAS-T, Watershed Management - Forestry

Wenatchee Valley College

AAS-T, Natural Resources

*Degree is SAF Accredited

Interested in more?

Request our outreach packet for an extensive list of all relevant wood supply chain post-secondary programs in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington, and British Columbia.