NORTHERN MICHIGAN – Most people wouldn’t d argue with goals that include a healthy forest, with vigorously growing trees, and good wildlife habitat. But what does that mean in terms of management? How do you get from “A” to “B”?
Stated goals and objectives are essential parts of a forest management plan. Having a written plan may also help with preparing federal income taxes from a timber sale. So, getting these ideas down on paper can be a critical step.
All the owners and decision-makers should be involved in this conversation, usually family members. Regular conversations help keep ideas on the table and facilitate transparency. Having everyone on the same page makes implementation go smoother.
It may also be important to include heirship plans. Who’s going to manage the property after the current owners? Fair is not always equal. There exists quite a toolbox to help plan for that eventual transfer of property. Better to plan than probate.
A vague set of goals can allow greater flexibility down the road. Establishing a schedule of activities and practices might more easily fold into generalized goal statements. Then again, specific objectives might be easier to accomplish within the timeframe of a management plan.
Some consultants will ask potential clients to fill-out a questionnaire that includes some options for goals and objectives, sometimes as a part of a hiring proposal package. Such an exercise might help the forest owners better define what is important for their property. Conservation District foresters can with this, too.
Walking and talking with professional forester will add a technical dimension to the conversation. What are the capabilities of the site and soil? For example, it’s not possible to grow quality sugar maple on wetland soils. Or, how old is that aspen stand? Should it be clearcut to regenerate more aspen?
“Wildlife” is a common reason for owning property. So, what sort of wildlife? If it’s deer hunting, then maybe a set of practices can be discussed that might support that goal. Sometimes, a conversation might evolve to include other species of wildlife, and different practices that might enhance their habitats.
Timber production might not initially be high on an owner’s list of priorities, but the harvest of trees can go a long way to serve a variety of purposes, as well as provide the revenue to accomplish goals. It might also be necessary with unexpected events such as pest outbreaks or wind damage or grandma headed to the nursing home.
Managing a private woodland is the responsibility of less than five percent of people in the Lake States. Yet, the entire citizenry benefits from good decisions that forest owners make, and vice versa. Some might argue that there’s a social responsibility in forest ownership. Others will, of course, disagree.
However, whether forest ownership is thought about as personal, social, or any mix of these two, implementing a well-drafted plan provide be a lifetime of enjoyment and learning.
