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Wednesday, October 10, 2001 Wise land management can pay off What you choose to do with your land is usually your own choice to make. It shouldn't make any difference what you do it's your land, right? It may be your land, but what you choose to do cannot only affect you but your neighbors, good or bad. Do you pay taxes on the land? Do you enjoy the recreational opportunities your land may provide? Do you receive income from use of your land? One question can definitely be answered "Yes" we all pay taxes on property we own. But the remainder of the questions most often are answered "No." Is your land forested or open? Either way, management choices not only affect you, but your neighbors and the local wildlife population. How? If you have land that is sitting idle, it is costing you money. Wise land management choices can affect your pocketbook in a positive manner. These choices could mean that by planting trees on open idle land that a financial investment in the future has been made. A choice to reduce the risk of wildfire could save not only your land but also that of your neighbors. Another choice of actively managing forested land increases the financial investment in the property, increases recreational opportunities for you, your family and friends, as well as many other attributes that can be afforded. Overall, you are taking charge and the benefits can be enormous. Instituting wise management practices can cost very little. There are cost-share program available to help begin some of the practices. The Georgia Forestry Commission is responsible for helping landowners formulate management practices for their land. It can be as simple as a general management plan or as elaborate as a Forest Stewardship Plan. In either case there is no charge for these services. For more information on how to make your property more profitable and enjoyable, contact your Georgia Forestry Commission forester at 770-254-7218.
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