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Let’s get the right tools in the hands of forest landowners so we can all manage the woods well.
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Support Us
Let’s get the right tools in the hands of forest landowners so we can all manage the woods well.
Our Privilege & Responsibility
If you own forestland in Sonoma County, even as little as one acre, you have the privilege of stewarding some of the most beautiful and biodiverse landscapes in the nation. From rolling Oak-woodlands to Redwood canyons, from mossy bay dells to gorgeous Douglas Fir stands. These forests provide stunning vistas, enjoyable hikes, home for wildlife, wood for the fireplace, and so much more.
So much to do… Where to start?
With so many government resources, contractors and community programs available, it might be hard to know where to start. Our Forest Landowner Stewardship Directory will walk you through the myriad resources available to managers of forestlands, big and small. This directory is designed to be a useful guide to forest landowners of all parcel sizes to find the professional help they need to achieve responsible forest management.
Forest Stewardship E-learning Tool from UCCE
Landowners can start their forest management planning process through a new self-paced e-learning tool UCCE developed. This can be accessed at: https://www.cafamilyforest.org/
This site provides a broad overview of the importance of management plans, presents general information on how to assess what you have on your forest property, gives a general overview of forest ecology and management tools, and illustrates the importance of connecting with a Registered Professional Forester to put their dreams into practice. The learning site also introduces owners to some of the state and federal programs that help to offset the cost of developing a forest management plan.
Working With a Registered Professional Forester
A Registered Professional Forester (RPF) is a person knowledgeable in a wide range of studies such as biology, ecology, entomology, geology, hydrology, dendrology, silviculture, engineering, business administration, forest economics, and other natural resource subjects. RPFs use their well-rounded education and experience to maintain the sustainability of forest resources like timber, forage, wildlife, water, and outdoor recreation to meet the needs of the people while protecting the biological integrity and quality of the forest environment.
RPFs perform a wide variety of activities. RPFs organize and direct systems of control for forest fires, insect pests, and tree diseases. They determine the environmental impacts of management decisions, and plan for maintenance of wildlife habitat. They prescribe thinning for an immature stand of trees or removal of defective trees for stand improvement. RPFs measure the volume of standing timber, appraise market value, plan harvests, and administer the sale of the forest products.
For the roster of all registered professional foresters in the state, see the Board of Forestry.
For a list of local registered professional foresters, see our list.
Neighbor-to-Neighbor Collaboration
It is worth mentioning that individual landowners can only do so much to make a difference in their neck of the woods. Some management practices are uneconomic for small landowners. However, when landowners work with their neighbors, they can achieve so much more. Your local resource conservation district can assist you in working with your neighbors for the best outcome.
- Sonoma Resource Conservation District serves east, north and south Sonoma County
- Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District serves west Sonoma County
Tell Us About You
We’d love to hear from you. Please fill out our survey to let us know what management issues you face and how we can best support your educational goals.
More
- Learn more with the excellent educational resources in our Learning Library
- Demystify the programs that provide financial and technical assistance. See Funding Resources
- Learn alongside other landowners by joining a landowner association.