Manage Your Forest
Forest Management
Forest management can mean a lot of different things based on what the landowner is intending the land for. Landowners can manage their forests for timber harvests, wildlife habitat/viewing, recreation, water quality, and more. Forest managers help landowners obtain their management goals through practices such as selection harvesting, regeneration, thinning, shelterwood harvesting, etc.
Forest Management Plans
Forest Management Plans outline the landowner's goals of the forest through creating measurable actions and concise results while assessing resources and management feasibility. Management plans fall within practice, basic, and comprehensive plans. Practice plans are created to implement one practice. Basic plans are general outlines of management practices. Comprehensive plans are more complete plans that implement sustainable forestry and other activities that protect specific resources. Management plans are specific to each forested property.
Cost Share Programs
Cost-share programs are developed by various agencies to incentivize forest management practices for landowners. Cost-share programs are not guaranteed and typically do not cover all of the management expenses; however, they can greatly reduce expenses associated with management.
Examples include:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
- Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program (WFLGP)
Search for your WI DNR Service Forester in your county to sign up for a free site visit, learn about WFLGP, or get some of your questions about your forests answered: https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/fal
U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS):
Search for your local NRCS Service Center here: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center
Young Forests
Young forests are seedling and sapling trees managed through forestry practices to create new growth within forests for a variety of benefits. Young forests provide habitat and cover for young and imperiled species, increase browsing bedding for deer, create wildlife viewing corridors, improve recreational access, and more. Wildlife, forest plants, insects, and humans can all benefit from young forests.
Forest Management in Practice in Northern Wisconsin
Refreshing an Alder Stand
Forest Management for Wildlife Viewing
Land Improvement for Woodcock
Land Improvement for Woodcock
Forest Management for Wildlife Viewing
Land Improvement for Woodcock
Forest Management for Wildlife Viewing
Forest Management for Wildlife Viewing
Forest Management for Wildlife Viewing
