A written management plan will give a landowner guidelines and time frames on making their property more sustainable and productive in the future. The objectives of the landowner will dictate what management recommendations are needed on the property to meet their goals. There are different types of management plans that are more detailed than others. Examples include a Stewardship plan, Tree Farm Certification plan, Reforestation plan, and Prescribed Burning plan.

Preparing the site for tree planting is crucial before planting to help ensure the newly planted seedlings are free to grow from other competition. Genetically improved seedlings are used to increase the landowner’s return in a shorter time period.

Prescribed fire is a valuable tool when used under the proper guidelines to meet a landowner’s objectives. Prescribed burning is commonly used to control competing vegetation, reduce heavy fuel buildup on the forest floor, improve wildlife habitat, and enhance the appearance of the woodlands, just to name a few.

A harvest cut or thinning will provide the landowner a monetary return on their investment. It is essential the landowner is getting the best price for their timber, and the logging operation is monitored to ensure the details in the timber sale contract are followed.

Developing a stand map for a piece of property is very valuable to the landowner that will show stand types, acres, soil types, and many more important aspects of the property. It’s essential for landowners to know precisely where the property lines are located in order to prevent timber trespassing and future property line disputes.

Controlling undesirable species on a tract may require several different methods. Hand spraying with backpack crews, aerial spraying, or mechanical methods can be used to eradicate competing vegetation or reduce the number of trees per acre when an overstocked (too many) stand of trees is present.

Many landowners rank wildlife management as a fundamental objective for their property. Proper timber management practices and other wildlife practices, such as food plots and burning, will enhance the wildlife habitat on the property and increase hunting/viewing opportunities.

Controlling undesirable species on a tract may require several different methods. Hand spraying with backpack crews, aerial spraying, or mechanical methods can be used to eradicate competing vegetation or reduce the number of trees per acre when an overstocked (too many) stand of trees is present.

Roads and skid trails have been one of the major sources of sediment from forestry-related activities. Planning can reduce skidding distances and eliminate unnecessary roads. Roads should be designed to minimize the amount of sediment entering stream channels to comply with the Best Management Practices (BMP’s).