Forestry 101: Why You Need a Forest Management Plan

The forest management decisions you make today have a long-term impact on the health and productivity of your woodlands. So it’s important to know what you want to accomplish with your land and to develop a strategy for achieving your goals. A written forest management plan describes your property as it is today, outlines your goals for your land and provides guidance on the steps you will take over the years to move toward those goals. A written forest management plan is required to participate in forest certification, North Carolina’s Present-Use Valuation tax program and many cost-share programs that support forest management activities. Learn about creating a forest management plan for your property with the resources below.

 

Benefits of a Woodland Plan (N.C. Forest Service)
Your woodland property could be working harder for you and your family, providing more of the benefits you value most. It all starts with a plan!

Management by Objectives: Successful Forest Planning (N.C. State University Extension)
You’ll be more successful with your forest property if you manage it according to a clear plan. Whether you grow trees, tulips or turkeys, a management plan helps save time and money while increasing returns and enjoyment.

Forest Resource Management Planning: Why Plan? The Planning Process (Clemson Cooperative Extension)
Forests are by nature long-term enterprises and the forest owner’s expected future outcomes, like the forest condition many years from today, require actions today and over time to ensure these outcomes actually occur.

Management Planning for Small Woodlots (N.C. State University Extension)
North Carolina has more than 2 million acres of woodlands in holdings less than 20 acres in size. These woodlands provide environmental, economical and social benefits to their owners and to the communities in which they are found.