2026 Family Foresters Workshop - January 23, 2026 -CDA

34th Annual Family Foresters Workshop
Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Location: Coeur d'Alene Resort, 115 South Second Street, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Family forests (also known as non-industrial private forests or “NIPF” lands) are vital to the economy and quality of life in the Inland Northwest. These lands are critical for wildlife habitat, timber production, scenic quality, and many other values. Unique skills are required of individuals who help family forest owners manage their property. This program is designed to:
• Strengthen the skills of consulting foresters, state-employed service foresters, and other natural resource professionals who work with family forest owners.
• Serve as a forum to provide updates on emerging technology and knowledge applicable to family forestry.

Agenda:
8:30 a.m. Registration Opens
8:45 a.m. The Current and Future State of Federal Forestry Cost Sharing Programs: Cindy Lewis, Natural Resources Conservation Service
9:15 a.m. Opportunities for Consulting Foresters with Good Neighbor Authority and Similar Efforts to Support Federal Land Management: Ed Wingert, Idaho Department of Lands
10:00 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. What’s New with Logging Systems? Ryer Becker, University of Idaho
11:30 p.m. SmartWood – A New Use for Forest Products: Karl Englund, Washington State University
12:00 p.m. Lunch (Presentations: The Value of SAF and ACF Anjel Tamyko and Mike Wolcott)
1:30 p.m. A Demonstration of Artificial Intelligence Platforms for Forestry Communication: Jason Thomas, University of Idaho
2:30 p.m. Update on Drone Technology and Laws: Jason Karl, University of Idaho
3:00 p.m. Break
3:15 p.m. Engaging Citizen Science on Forest Water Quality: Jim Ekins, University of Idaho
3:45 p.m. Family Forest Economics/Policy Update: Greg Latta, University of Idaho 
4:30 p.m. Close

The program will be held at the Coeur d’Alene Resort (115 S. 2nd St. in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho) and can accommodate up to 100 people, so please register by January 16, 2025, to assure your place and help us plan. A $110 pre-registration fee ($125.00 after January 16 or at the door) includes lunch and refreshments. For registration questions, contact the UI Extension Office in Kootenai County at (208) 292-2525.

Credits: Society of American Foresters continuing forestry education: 6.5 hours, Category 1 Idaho Master Forest Stewards: 6.5 credits Idaho Pro-Logger: 6.5 credits WCLA Master Loggers: 6.5 credits For program questions, contact: Chris Schnepf, Area Extension Educator – Forestry University of Idaho Extension  Phone: (208) 292-1288 E-mail: cschnepf@uidaho.edu Andy Perleberg, Regional Extension Specialist - Forestry Washington State University Extension, Wenatchee Phone: (509) 667-6540 E-mail: andyp@wsu.edu Co-sponsored by: Cooperative Extension System Washington State University University of Idaho Association of Consulting Foresters Idaho Department of Lands Washington Department of Natural Resources Idaho Forest Owners Association Washington Farm Forestry Association The University of Idaho is an equal-opportunity employer and educational institution. We offer our programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability.  Persons with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations. Please contact the Kootenai County Extension Office at 208-292-2525 at least two weeks prior to the class to request accommodations.  Individuals with limited English skills must have meaningful access to our programs. If you need this program in a language other than English, contact the Kootenai County Extension Office at 208-292-2525 at least two weeks prior to the event. If we cannot provide an interpreter, translation services will be provided via Google Translate.