Forestry and Fuels Program

Forestry Division

Field Work 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, including:

  • Stand Exams

  • Timber Cruising and Marking

  • Unit Layout

  • Replanting

  • Cone Collection

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.

Crew Structure

The Forestry Division typically operates 2–4 field crews, with each team composed of four technicians and led by a Crew Lead. The Division Lead and Assistant Division Lead oversee all crews, coordinate with partner agencies, provide technical training, ensure project timelines are met, and conduct field quality control. The crew brings together a wide range of experience—from college students just beginning their forestry careers to local residents with a lifetime of working in the woods.

What We Do

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.


  • 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.