Wednesday, May 7, 2003

Forest stewardship program available to Fayette Countians

There is more to a forest than just trees. For many landowners, the other benefits provided by woodlands, such as hunting, wildlife observation, or enjoying the recreational and aesthetic opportunities found in a forest, are as important (or more so) than the production of commercial timber.

Since management to enhance one resource can often be detrimental to others, a landowner interested in wisely managing all his woodland resources may be at a loss as to what to do.

A program to assist landowners in practicing wise, multiple-use management is available to the private landowners. Wise management practices produce multiple uses and benefits of the natural resources under a landowner's control. Important Forest Stewardship goals include conserving soil and water, managing timber, providing plant and animal habitats and enhancing recreational and aesthetic aspects of a property.

The Forest Stewardship Program was developed for non-industrial private forest landowners to enhance the management of multiple resources. Landowners with at least 10 acres are eligible for the program. There is no upper limit to acreage size.

The Forest Stewardship Program enables a private forest landowner to have a single, coordinated Forest Stewardship Plan developed for his/her property. A team of experts in timber, soil and water conservation, wildlife and recreation and aesthetics creates the plan, based on landowner's objectives. Recommendations will be based on priorities set by the landowner himself. There is no charge for the preparation of a plan, and the landowner is under no obligation to carry out any of the recommendations provided in the plan.

A landowner can also have a Forest Stewardship Plan prepared by a resource professional such as a consulting forester, wildlife biologist, or soil conservation specialist.

Landowners desiring to have a Forest Stewardship Plan prepared for their property, or who would like more information about this program, should contact the local office of the Georgia Forestry Commission at 770-227-5522 or 770-358-1459, or visit www.gfc.state.ga.us/Services/RuralForestry/index.cfm.

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