Forestry Division
Fieldwork for Healthy Forests
The Forestry Division is a key part of the Watershed Research and Training Center’s Forestry and Fuels Program. Our crews support forest health and wildfire resilience through a wide range of fieldwork and technical services.
Each summer season, field technicians work in close coordination with public agencies and private landowners to support comprehensive forest management across Trinity County. Their work directly contributes to timber sale preparation, reforestation, fuel break development, and plantation thinning projects. Technicians navigate steep terrain daily, collect vital data, and implement essential on-the-ground tasks that strengthen the long-term health of our forests.
What We Do
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![A forester uses a coring device to take a sample from a conifer. He wears an orange hard hat and vest.]()
Stand Exams
We collect detailed data on tree species, fuel loading, and vegetation composition within a specific area. This information supports landowners and agencies in making informed, science-based forest management decisions.
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![A forestry technician makes notes on a clipboard. She wears a bright orange vest.]()
Timber Cruising and Marking
Timber cruising involves measuring individual trees or sample plots to assess species distribution, volume, and timber quality. Timber marking identifies trees for removal based on a written prescription aimed at achieving desired forest conditions—such as improved stand health, fire resilience, or habitat enhancement.
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![A forestry technician uses a range finder to take measurements in a forest stand. He wears a hard hat and orange vest.]()
Unit Layout
Technicians flag and map project boundaries using GPS technology. Projects may include reforestation, thinning, or timber sales. Unit layout also involves assessing feasibility, identifying access via existing skid trails, landings, and roads, and flagging sensitive areas like riparian zones for protection.
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![Gloved hands press a pine seedling into a newly dug hole.]()
Replanting
The Forestry Division works with contractors and partners to plant thousands of trees each year, ensuring that future generations inherit thriving, diverse, and climate-resilient forests.
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![A forestry technician takes notes on a clipboard. She wears an orange hard hat and vest.]()
Cone Collection
While in the field, crews survey for conifer cone crops—a critical indicator for seed collection opportunities. These data are used to put together a contract with professional tree climbers to collect the mature conifer cones. Collected cones support seed banking and reforestation efforts, helping to preserve genetic diversity, disease resistance, and accelerate post-fire recovery.
Join the team
Interested in working on the front lines of forest stewardship? Every fall we look for motivated individuals to join our summer field crews. If you enjoy working outdoors, contributing to meaningful conservation work, and being part of a tight-knit team, check out our current employment opportunities and consider applying.