New web page connects Thurston County landowners to forestry services 

Thurston County landowners can now book forestry site visits and apply for tax breaks through a newly launched web page from the Thurston Conservation District. 

The “Forestry Services” web page debuted on Tuesday, Nov. 25, with contact paths, walk-through scheduling and program guidance for wooded parcels in Western Washington's 22 million forested acres. 

Environmental, economic and social forest values span the region, the page states, including habitat, water movement, carbon processes and recreation. District staff guide owners through understanding their acreage and selecting appropriate actions that match goals. 

Landowners are referred to Stewardship Forester Alex Chacon, who serves as the district’s main contact for field review and plan work. 

Technical assistance includes professional recommendations on forest stewardship tailored to individual interests, goals and property characteristics. 

It also covers federal or county programs that offer financial help for managing forests and how to apply. Staff walk applicants through requirements once they commit to a program. 

Any owner can also request forestry site visits, so Chacon gauges stand conditions, fuel loads and parcel concerns. Walk-throughs involve touring forested areas, talking through goals, and flagging management needs or opportunities the district spots on the ground. 

A "Forestry Cooperator Questionnaire" is also featured on the page that lets staff gather parcel size, tree cover and owner priorities. Responses steer follow-up outreach. 

Management plans

The web page devotes a section to Forest Management Plans, which may also go by Timber Management Plan or Forest Stewardship Plan. 

The plans help owners assess current forest conditions and map possible future actions. The plans supply information for heirs or future buyers, and help owners meet written plan requirements for federal conservation programs and county classifications. 

The district cites the 2017 Washington State Integrated Forest Management Plan Guidelines and Template published by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. References also include the Certified Tree Farm Program and Current Use Forest Property Tax Program. 

A tax section addresses questions about forestland classifications. County information explains that parcels with at least 5 contiguous acres dedicated primarily to growing and harvesting timber may qualify for Forest Land status. 

Chacon checks eligibility for Designated Forest Land and other Current Use Classification programs during site visits. 

Additional resource sections connect users to “Stewarding Your Forest,” broader forestry programs and services, and “Understanding Your Forest Real Estate,” which breaks down how counties cut assessed value for land that meets forest criteria. 

Links also send users to a Forestry Cost-share 101 recorded webinar, wildfire information on the district's community resilience page, and a farm and forestry resource page. 

Visit the newly launched page here for comprehensive forestry resources. 

For specific questions beyond the page content, contact Chacon at 564-669-8498 or achacon@thurstoncd.com.