HABITAT – The public is invited learn how small-farm forestry can benefit wildlife and the environment at a multi-generational tree farm at an Aug. 9 event near Colville.

Visitors also will have the option to catch-and-release trout in a private pond.

The Northeast Chapter of the Washington Farm Forestry Association is sponsoring its Forest Owners Field Day, this year set at the 600-acre Dominion Tree Farms at the west foot of Old Dominion Mountain east of Colville.

Starting at 8:30 a.m. through mid-afternoon, participants will visit five distinct locations with a unique story and history – from Western larch planted just a few years ago to ponderosa pines planted in 1985 to an experimental hardwood tree stand.

Owners will showcase their practice of  ‘patch cuts’ as an alternative to clear-cutting, said Randall Hansen, chapter president.

 Attendees should bring a sack lunch and camp chair. Water and other refreshments will be provided.

Following the tour, catch-and-release fishing will be allowed on Lake Rosanna, a private 18-acre lake planted with trout.

The WFFA is a non-profit organization of and for forest landowners in Washington who own from a few acres to thousands as well as industry professionals. Emphasis is on managing the private forests for timber, other forest products, wildlife, fish, recreation and aesthetics. 

Dominion Tree Farms is one of the nearly 90,000 small private forestland owners across the state, with private ownership totaling about 5 million acres out of Washington’s 22.1 million acres of forestland.

Info: (509) 936-3842, http://www.wafarmforestry.com/NorthEast or email Patti Playfair, patti.playfair@gmail.com.