CFSS 2026 Important Dates

First review of Proposals and Sponsors – October 31
Presenters notified November 1
Extended Deadline for Proposals and Sponsors – November 14
Registration opens November 1
Early Agenda available by January 31
CFSS 2026 co-hosted with CASAF, CFSC, CFPC, and CAL FIRE, February 18-20, 2026 in Sacramento, CA

Questions? Contact us here

California Forest Science Symposium

Feb 19, 2026 – Feb 20, 2026 • Sacramento, CA

Keeping Science Relevant in Forest Management

Registration OPEN

For today’s forestry and natural resource professionals, relevance extends beyond research alone. It means adapting to changing landscapes, embracing new technologies, exploring forest product markets.

The enduring partnership between research and management is not just historic—it is necessary to sustain sound management under rapidly evolving ecological and socioeconomic conditions. Reaffirming and strengthening this connection is essential for sustaining sound, science-based forest management into the future.

The California Forest Science Symposium (CFSS) will bring together foresters, researchers, and policymakers to reflect on the rich history of forestry, share current advancements, and look ahead to the future of sustainable forest management.

This joint event—organized by the California Society of American Foresters, California Fire Science Consortium, California Forest Pest Council, and UCANR Cooperative Extension —will spotlight the latest science and practical applications driving forest management across California.

Register Today for the 2026 CFSS

Join us in Sacramento, CA on February 19th – 20th, 2026 to learn from your peers, grow your network and develop as a forestry professional.

General Admission: $235
SAF Member Admission: $195
Student Admission: $135

Forest Insect and Disease Training (2/18): The California Forest Pest Council and Berkeley Forests is hosting an field training to discuss common forest pests and diseases in California conifer and hardwood forests, and how to assess tree health and identify pest issues from observable signs and symptoms. Training is limited to Symposium attendees. Registration does not guarantee participation and student attendance will be prioritized. Participants are responsible for their travel to Blodgett Forest Research Station and bedding. Food and Lodging are provided.

Institutional Reform for Forest Management Workshop (2/19): CAL FIRE FRAP and the CFSC are hosting a pre-meeeting workshop on February 19th. Building on the 2024 Forest Health and Wildfire Research Scoping Workshop and the 2025 session, Planning Prescribed Fires at Landscape Scales, this year’s workshop shifts focus from identifying problems and solutions to understanding why proven approaches remain difficult to implement. While individual treatments have demonstrated local benefits, progress has not yet translated into meaningful, landscape-level change. This workshop aims to examine persistent institutional barriers, explore innovative perspectives on scaling forest management and beneficial fire, and better understand why emerging opportunities for action are not being fully realized within existing frameworks. This workshop is is free to attend, but space is limited.

CFSS Agenda_2026_PrelimRelease Download

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Sacramento
2001 Point West Way
Sacramento, CA

Room blocks have been reserved at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sacramento

Additional lodging suggestions:

Become a Sponsor of the 2026 California Forest Science Symposium