What is a management plan?
Much like a blueprint for a house, a management plan is a guide for landowners and resource professionals to manage and protect forest land. Our registered foresters write it around your goals for the property, with the guidance and technical advice to reach them.
How it works
We listen
We meet with you to set short-term and long-term goals. A short-term goal might be a harvest to create wildlife habitat or generate income. A long-term goal might be an orchard, a red pine plantation, or better soil for a food plot.
We map
We divide the property into stands by forest type, past management, stocking level, or future goals, using aerial photos, GPS, and GIS software.
We assess
We evaluate each stand, confirm your goals are realistic for the land, and make recommendations.
We write it
Goals are prioritized and the plan is written. You review it with your forester, make changes, and sign it. Putting it into practice is up to you, and we can help.
Why have one?
- It tells you where to start and what matters most on each part of your property
- It gets family members or partners agreed on how the land should be managed
- It is required to enroll in the Qualified Forest Program (QFP) and the Commercial Forest program (CF), which can lower property taxes
- It is required for many government cost-share programs, and cost-share funding may be available to help pay for the plan itself. Ask us what is open now.
How long is a plan good for?
Most plans cover 10 to 20 years. Plans can be amended any time your goals change or after an unexpected event such as a fire, storm, or disease outbreak.