Forest Stewardship Gains Momentum on the Key Peninsula

We are all novices. Learning what a forester is and how they can help was eye-opening.”

In April 2024, a forest management class taught by Washington State University Professor Kevin Zobrist was offered in Pierce County for the first time. The class on the Key Peninsula reached capacity within days. 

The Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course provides education and assistance to small landowners with anywhere from half-acre plots to very large parcels. The classes are designed to help owners achieve their goals for their property, whether it be for logging income, beautification, battling invasive species, or preserving peace and quiet. 

“Our job is not to tell people what to do, that is not our role,” Zobrist said. “We want to help individuals do what they want. We offer research-based answers to get there.” 

Participants learn about tree health, wildlife interactions, thinning trees properly, fire prevention, invasive plants, soil identification, and climate change effects. Property owners also learn to write a forest plan that may help save money with grants or taxes. Each participant receives resource materials and a site visit by a state or county forester. 

After completing the first nine-week WSU extension forestry course last spring, more than half of the Key Peninsula cohort decided to keep in touch. Less than a year later, they formed a support group called Forest Stewards of the Key Peninsula. They share challenges and struggles, along with knowledge and successes. 

The group also developed a vision and a mission to connect forest owners on the Key Peninsula with resources, tools, shared labor, and an understanding of the benefits of a well-managed forest to future generations. 

After buying a home on 5 acres, Maitland McConnell and her husband Eric wanted to learn more about promoting a healthy ecosystem for a thriving forest. Maitland took the extension class and continued with the KP cohort afterward. “It’s great to be with a group of people who love and want to talk about ecosystems,” McConnell said. “We want our property to be beautiful for generations.” 

Gary Brownlee and his wife Lynn are also new to the Key Peninsula. They own 20 acres, with about half in forest. They joined the class to learn more about caring for their forest and to help others. “The class was just great, a firehose of information we tried to absorb. We want to do our part to make the forest better. There was so much enthusiasm. We want to help other property owners, share information, and take action,” Gary said. 

The Brownlees have been trying to eradicate English holly, which can become dominant in a forest. It’s hard to dig up because of its root system. Injecting a targeted poison in each tree is most effective in killing holly. Many plants can be “shaded out,” but not holly. 

Zobrist’s advice: “Never trust a plant you can’t get rid of with shade.” 

Gary Brownlee said, “We are all novices. Learning what a forester is and how they can help was eye-opening. Foresters know regulations and the right processes for land rehabilitation and replanting requirements. Foresters can help represent owners who want to log their property in a responsible way.” 

Foresters are hired consultants. Director of the Northwest Natural Resources Group Kirk Hanson said that small forest owners are generally interested in conservation values and finding options between a hands-off approach and clear-cutting. Hanson said he thought the Key Peninsula’s emerging coalition was unique and could serve as a model for other communities. 

Jack Dunne of Lakebay maintains the trails on the Longbranch Improvement Club property. Dunne’s goal is to keep a beautiful place to walk that is comfortable and safe. Like others, he is concerned about invasive species like ivy, blackberries and holly. One takeaway from the class that resonated with him was, “Forests are messy and always in transition. Do not clean everything, it’s habitat.” Dunne said, “I’m so happy to be part of that organization (Forest Stewards of the Key Peninsula).” 

“There is no such thing as benign neglect,” Zobrist said. “Disreputable loggers and squatters building meth labs on the KP were brought to my attention in 2017 and showed the need for forestry education on the Key Peninsula. Restoration work is needed even on 2 to 3 acres.” 

A second WSU forestry extension course is offered March 20. Online registration deadline is March 10, and the cost is $190, including materials. 

Forest Stewards of the Key Peninsula will be providing a free presentation at the Longbranch Improvement Club March 26. The event marks the public launch of the stewardship group. 

An optional guided walk in the woods begins at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 7 p.m. Kirk Hanson, director of the Northwest Natural Resources Group, and Chris Rurik, KP naturalist and KP News contributor, will be the featured speakers.