Forest Stewardship

Forest management plans evaluate the potential of a property, and synthesize that with landowner objectives. 

In the past, only landowners with merchantable timber were likely to seek professional assistance because of the 

expense. Government cost-sharing programs have enabled many landowners who are more interested in the amenities 

of the forest such as recreation, to obtain professional assistance. The Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP) was one of 

the more successful programs and it paid 75% of the cost of developing a stewardship plan, as well as the costs of 

implementing it. Similar program opportunities may exist through the 2002 Farm Bill. Watch this space for further 

stewardship planning opportunities.