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Are you a forest landowner looking for voluntary, long-range conservation planning assistance tailored to your goals and the capacity of your land?
One of the most highly rated sources of such assistance across the country is the Forest Stewardship Program. You will be provided with advice not only on the trees, but also on the forest’s other plants and flowers, the wildlife, the soil, the water, and the aesthetic value. The advice can also include information on habitat projects, timber sales, and tree planting.
A forester or other natural resource professional will personally meet with you, listen to your goals, and examine your property. You will receive a Forest Stewardship plan that meets your goals while assessing the health, capability, and care of the forest. Plans are prepared by natural resource professionals from the private sector, public sector, or both depending on the state.
Participation is voluntary and you will not lose any of your property rights by getting involved. The costs for a Stewardship Plan will vary by state and provider, but are generally low cost or free.
Who is Eligible to Participate?
Private landowners interested in keeping their forest land as healthy and productive as possible – both for their own enjoyment – as well as future owners. The forestland can include any non-industrial private forest lands owned by a private individual, group association, corporation, Indian tribe or other private, legal entity. It includes rural lands with existing tree cover as well as land suitable for growing trees.
What is in a Stewardship Plan?
All landowners participating in the Stewardship Program should set clear objectives for managing their land. Each plan preparer should consider and evaluate the following natural resource elements (if present) when developing a plan:
Soil interpretations
Water
Range
Aesthetic quality
Recreation
Timber
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Wildlife
Forest health
Archeological, cultural and historic sites
Wetlands
Threatened and endangered species
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Examples of Stewardship Plans
The following plans have been provided as examples, so you can get an idea of what is included in a forest stewardship plan. Please keep in mind that format and style of the plan varies from state to state. Contact your State Forester for assistance developing a stewardship plan in your state.
These publications may be of interest to you as you steward your forests:
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