Make a Forest Management Plan
Sunday December 28, 2008
There are millions of backyard woods owners in the United States. Most of them own less than 10 acres of trees and are completely unaware of the potential of their woodlot - and have created no forest management plan. This report is based on a USFS publication called "Backyard Woods, Bring Your Vision to Life" and simply explains a forest master plan. This forest plan will help you focus on what is most important to you and your family. It will help you organize the work so that it is manageable and fits your budget and available time. Even if you don't map it or compose a plan, it would be to your advantage to read the feature and make mental notes on things you can do to improve your little piece of this Earth.
Let me also suggest you look at this excellent video produced by West Virginia University's Extension Forestry section. The nine part video tutorial, called Managing Your Woodlot, walks you through the basic steps of woodlot tree management.
- From the National Arbor Day Foundation: Make a Master Plan (pdf)
- The National Arbor Day Foundation - Backyard Woods Series
USFS Illustration of a Woodlot Map
I got almost two acres of dead oak, it died off by oak wilt. I need someone honest, who won’t rip me off, to cut the trees down and split it into firewood. I will use the wood in my wood stove that I just bought last spring.
I live in SE Pa and have a background in tree biology. here are some points I like to take into consideration when making a treatment plan for trees as well as their associates.
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/SOUND/
I will do more than cut and split wood. I will place nurse logs where they will improve tree, soil and associate health. Remember trees that have lost their symplast play key roles in the health of a forest or group of trees. I will give a free consultation if you pay my travel fee with my wife. My wife also has studied tree biology . We will come up with a treatment plan that benefits all parties and will increase forest health.
610-864-5251
John Keslick
Consulting Tree Biologist
John
Have 365 acres in NE PA. Many of the trees (sugar maples) have been taken by the tent catepillar over the last 15 years. Briars are taking their place, instead of new trees. Would like to replace with Pines and nut/fruit trees for wildlife. Thoughts?
It’s a 2.5 hour ride to Honedale PA from Valley Forge, where I am. Happy to pay expenses and then engage you if you feel this is in your sweet spot of experience.
Thanks Doug