A forest management plan is a working guide to good forest stewardship that allows the landowner to maximize the wildlife, timber, recreation, aesthetic value, and other benefits of owning woodland. A good plan combines the natural and physiographic characteristics of the woodlot with the interests and objectives of the owner to produce a set of forest management recommendations. This plan, if followed, should transform the forest into one that is enjoyable and productive for the owner and for future generations. We will follow a sample forest management plan for the Becker farm to illustrate the steps in developing a plan. Landowner Objectives There are many reasons for and many benefits to be derived from owning woodland.
Most owners value the privacy and aesthetic beauty their forests provide.
Some landowners want an annual supply of fuelwood for their own use or for some periodic income. The list of potential benefits is long. No one can develop a forest management plan that is right for you without knowing what benefits you value and what ones are unimportant to you. Management recommendations for a given stand of trees can vary dramatically depending upon the objectives. Priorities provide the framework for developing forest management recommendations.