Forestry Management

1. Management Plans

2. Taking Inventory

3. Professional Services

4. Timber Stand Improvement

5. Tree Plantings

6. Timber Sales

7. Managing for Wildlife

8. Managing for Aesthetics and Recreational Values

9. Managing for Firewood

10. Forestry Education

11. Tree Identification Resources

12. Forest Landowner's Guide to Internet Resources

13. Logging Concerns

            In Pennsylvania, approximately 12 million or over 70 percent of the 17 million acres of forested land in the Commonwealth belongs to private, non-industrial landowners.  It follows, therefore, that the health and wellbeing of these forest lands depends upon these private owners use of these forest lands.  Our forested lands are a precious resource; and enhancing and maintaining the health, productivity, diversity, and overall quality of these forest lands are, therefore, important to all of us.

             Much of the frustration of forest land ownership comes from the difficulty of getting information about the potential for management, about what resources are available to assist you, and the costs and benefits of management, or about what to expect if one chooses to perform a timber sale. 

             The goal of this web page is twofold: 1) to inform both forest landowners and non-landowners of the advantages of actively managing their forest land; and 2) to enlighten them to what resources are available to assist them.

            Many Americans dream of owning their own little place in the woods.  Owning a piece of woodland is one of the major joys in the lives of millions of Americans.  That piece of land is where they can go for work, play, stimulation, and relaxation.  Also a piece of land is where the wonders of nature can be observed by both young and old alike.

              However, owning a piece of woodland comes with responsibilities.  These responsibilities are known as stewardship of the land or the need to look after, care for, and protection of the land and its resources.  Stewardship challenges a land owner to look beyond their own immediate personal needs so they can leave a living forest legacy for future generations.

             This website begins with management plan information to encourage landowners to think about what their goals and objectives are for their forested land.  Goal setting is a powerful process of thinking about your ideal future for your property, and for motivating yourself to turn this vision of the future into reality.  Remembering that a management plan does not tell you what you must do on your land, but helps you do what you want to do in a way that keeps your property healthy and productive for the future.

             In the following links, readers will find information to help them better understand just what they have to work with, what stewardship resource professionals are available, information for protecting and improving your woodlands, and other important concerns.

             A professional forester can assist you in understanding and planning the care and management of you woodland.  For more information click on the appropriate link in the web pages or contact the Venango County Conservation District at (814) 6762832 or your local Service Forester.