The Forest Management Plan - Develop a Master Plan

From U.S. Forest Service's: Backyard Woods - Make a Master Plan

Your backyard forest is always in a state of change. As trees and associated plants sprout, grow and die, other plants and wildlife will replace some of the trees and wildlife you currently enjoy. Even a small forest is never static. Trees will invade your favorite berry-picking spots or obscure your favorite view. Your trees may become over-crowded, lose their vigor, and become susceptible to insects and diseases.

Anticipating these changes is what a master plan is all about. The plan will help you focus on what is 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.

The first step requires a pencil and paper, and some time to think. You may want to sit down with your family and talk about your backyard woods. You simply need to answer these questions to help you develop a vision for your backyard woods:

• Why do we have this land?
• What do we like about it?
• What words describe the feelings we have for this land?
• What do we want it to produce?
• What do we want it to look like in 5, 10, and 20 years from now?

The key word here is "objective"! Here is a list of most common objectives many woods owners say they are working toward: improving wildlife habitat, aesthetics, increasing tree values and growing special forest products. Your plan should begin by recognizing your objectives.