The Forest Stewards is a peer-to-peer learning program for private forest landowners. Participants learn about forest management in a 3-day workshop then work in their communities to share what they learned.
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm HST
CC309
Abstract Almost half of all forest lands in Hawaii are privately owned. Forest landowners need to deal with threats to forest health and productivity including pests and diseases, invasive weeds, and wildfires and need to be aware of opportunities to protect and restore forests. The Forest Stewards is a peer-to-peer learning program designed to help teach forest landowners how to care for their land and how to reach out to their friends, neighbors, and community with information on good forest practices. Participants attend a three-day workshop where they learn about forest ecology and management, invasive species, wildfire, and restoration but also taxes, availability of assistance programs, and the importance of forests in Hawaiian culture. In return for the program, which is provided free of charge, participants agree to “give back” by performing at least 30 hours of service in reaching out to their communities. These volunteers greatly extend the reach of the CTAHR forestry extension program. Past participants have hosted neighbors and community visits to their forests to pass on what they learned, drafted legislation to expand the Native Forest Dedication for County property taxes, and served as landowner representatives on statewide advisory commissions. The Forest Stewards program continues to generate hundreds of hours of volunteer time annually, with some graduates continuing their involvement year after year.
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