Management Plans

Good planning always costs less than good reacting.
-- John Capozzi

            Managing woodland requires careful timing and sequencing of woods-work over an extended period of time.  A management plan carefully identifies the landowner’s goals and objectives.  Once these objectives are identified the plan requires an inventory of the woodland’s resources.  Clearly, such variables as tree species, condition, health, numbers, age, growth potential, volume, stocking, value, and basal area will be considered.  Other resources important to the production of sustainable woodland such as soil and site quality will also be considered.  Dependant on the landowner’s goals and objectives, other resources may be inventoried such as boundaries, forest roads, water, wildlife, and any problems such as insects or disease.  Data collected will determine what is available now and potential for productivity in the future.   

            It is important to remember that the most important aspect of a management plan is not the woodland, but you the landowner.  The landowner’s personal interests, abilities, financial resources and goals for their property are vital to a successful plan.  Taking time in the planning process will help a landowner identify what resources and opportunities are available to help them, and what they would like to accomplish on their property.  Plan writing is a team effort with the forester and the landowner, but the landowner is the final decision maker for what happens on their property.   

            A written management plan will offer many benefits, including a statement of your objectives, a description plus maps of your property, the condition of the woodlot, the potential benefits you can expect from your woodland, streams and soils, unique features, and the types of wildlife habitat that exist.  The plan will also let you decide a schedule of activities that are consistent with your objectives. 

            Professional forester can assist you in writing a management plan for your property.  For more information contact your local Service Forester for help and information. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/serviceforesters_select.aspx

Management Plans Information Links:

1. Woodland Management Planning

2. Forest Management Plan Template

3. Best Management Practices

4. Recording Forest Management Activities