Forest Management Plans
The Management Plan
Process
To develop a proper management plan there are a few things we need from you the landowner. Information on you property such as tax account number, acreage, lot number, etc. Most importantly, the forester needs an idea what your goals and objectives are for managing your woodland. Your goals and objectives can include such things as improving wildlife habitat for hunting or viewing, managing for a future timber harvest, protecting the watershed values on your land or maintaining the health of your forest. There are many more.
Once your goals and objectives are understood then it’s
time for data collection. An inventory
of the trees and other vegetation is made using sampling techniques developed
for forestry to give a snapshot of what is there. This data is then compared to similar descriptions and charts to
determine such things as number of trees per acre, stocking level and spacing,
and growth rate of the trees. The
forest is then divided into discrete stands, which are areas of the forest of
similar enough age and composition that they can be managed together. These determinations let the forester
prescribe a set of activities or practices that will move you toward achieving
your goals and objectives. These
practices can be things such as creating hiking trails, thinning trees out to
improve growing conditions, planting trees and shrubs to attract wildlife or
stabilize a stream bank. A map is
prepared that details where the various stands of trees are and other
geographic features such as streams, roads, and buildings.
These practices are put into a schedule that identifies
what the practices are and a chronological table of when they should be
completed. These dates are chosen to achieve
your goals in the most efficient and timely manner possible. Financial assistance with implementing these
practices is sometimes available through cost sharing programs through the
State or Federal governments. All of this is included in the written management
plan you will receive. A copy of this
written document is what is submitted to the State Department of Assessments
and Taxation for entry into the programs.
There are deadlines for submitting Management plans. For the Forest Management Agreement the
plan must be submitted by the last business day of June. It is possible to submit at a later date if
you will enter the FCMA program. If so,
then a one to two-week grace period can be achieved.
Having a Forest Management plan developed for your
property may be eligible for cost sharing from either the DNR or through the
Farm Services agency. Check with your
local DNR forester to find out if funds are available.