PLANNING FORFOREST STEWARDSHIP:A DESK GUIDE

By D. Ramsey Russell, Jr., and Susan Stein

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

D. Ramsey Russell, Jr., is the Refuge Manager at the U.S. Fish and WildlifeService’s Tallatchie National Wildlife Refuge. Susan Stein is the ForestStewardship Coordinator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)Forest Service Cooperative Forestry Staff.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank the Forest Stewardship Assessment Team for theircareful study of forest stewardship plans, which lead to the initiation of thisproject, and their input to this publication:

Tim Albritton, Alabama Forestry Commission; Mike Barsotti, OregonDepartment of Forestry; Patrick Beard, Louisiana Department of Agricultureand Forestry; Karen Bennett, University of New Hampshire CooperativeExtension; G. Kirk David, Idaho Department of Lands; Dr. Mark Megalos,North Carolina Division of Forest Resources; and Scott Sanders, Florida Fishand Wildlife Conservation Commission; and the following USDA ForestService employees: Mark Buccowich, Lloyd Casey, and Alan Todd of theNortheastern Area; Steve Bush, Alaska Region; Sam Gehr and Caron Gibsonof the Washington Office Cooperative Forestry Staff; Greg Meuwisse,Washington Office Controlled Correspondence Unit; David Hoge, SouthernRegion; and Sandy Stone, Pacific Southwest Region.

We would also like to thank the following people for their contributions andreview of this guide: Gerald Andritz, New York State Department ofEnvironmental Conservation; Robert L. Atchison, Kansas Forest Service;Kurt Atkinson, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture; Jorge A. Baez,President of Envirosurvey, Inc.; Joe Folta, North Carolina Wildlife ResourcesCommission; Jeff Graham, Alaska Department of Natural Resources; HarryHuffstatler, Ducks Unlimited; Ian Munn, Professor of Forest Economics,Mississippi State University; Pat Stinson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,Mississippi Ecological Sciences; Lori Wolff, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;and the following USDA Forest Service employees: Ray Abriel, PacificNorthwest Region; Ted Beauvais, Washington Office Cooperative ForestryStaff; Elizabeth Crane, Southern Region; Susan E. Gray, Rocky MountainRegion; Robert Moulton, Southern Research Station; Deirdre Raimo,Northeastern Area; and Keith Schnare, Intermountain Region.

A special thanks to Katie Wilson for her creative reworking of the original manuscriptand her careful editing. Many thanks also to Caron Gibson for handling many of thelogistics and ensuring that this project was completed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 2

Writing a Forest Stewardship Plan

Overview 4

Components of a Forest Stewardship Plan 5

1. Identify the Plan 5

2. Present Management Objectives 5

3. Describe Baseline Habitat Conditions 11

4. Present Management Recommendations 22

5. Include Supplemental Information 26

Conclusion 28

Appendix 29

Since 1991, the U.S. Department ofAgriculture (USDA) Forest ServiceForest Stewardship Program hasassisted over 200,000 landowners inpreparing multipurpose managementplans for areas encompassing morethan 20 million acres of nonindustri-al private forest (NIPF). These planspromote the long-term sustainabilityof private forests by balancing futurepublic needs for forest products with the need for protecting andenhancing watershed productivity,air and water quality, fish andwildlife habitat, and threatened and endangered species.

After an assessment of 100 foreststewardship plans, it was recom-mended that a guide be developed to help field foresters better addressforest stewardship values whenwriting plans for their States andregions. This desk guide is a responseto that recommendation.

As established in the ForestStewardship Program’s NationalStandards and Guidelines, the plansmust meet certain minimumstandards:

Plans must identify and describe actionsto protect, manage, maintain andenhance relevant resources listed in the law (soil, range, aesthetic quality,recreation, timber, water, and fish andwildlife) in a manner compatible withlandowner objectives. The plan must beapproved by the State forester or arepresentative of the State forester.

(USDA Forest Service, ForestStewardship Program, NationalStandards and Guidelines, p. 4.)

This guide offers assistance to writers of the plans and includesinstructions, requirements, excerptsfrom well-written plans, and specificrecommendations for developing aplan. Plan writers vary among Statesand include State foresters, privateconsultants, and, through a coachedplanning process, landownersthemselves.

The guidelines contained in thisdocument should complementexisting strategies for foreststewardship planning in each State.The detail included in the final plans should reflect the needs andstandards of each State. CertainStates have more comprehensivecriteria for forest stewardship plansthan is federally mandated; thereforecertain recommendations in thisguide may be used selectively tomeet each State’s unique situation.The suggestions included are drawnfrom current forest stewardship plansthat were reviewed while preparingthe guide; they are presented strictlyfor example.

Not all subjects discussed will applyto every property or forest steward-ship plan. A major principle fororganizing a plan is that each Statemust retain the greatest amount ofdiscretion in identifying the needs ofNIPF landowners in its region,

INTRODUCTION

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developing plans that reflect thoseneeds, and putting to use thosepractices that best achieve theirresource objectives. As the writer ofa plan, you must be flexible in yourthinking, allow for future changes,and incorporate, as it becomes avail-able, new knowledge about dynamicecosystems.

Finally, a copy of the ForestStewardship Program’s NationalStandards and Guidelines (RevisedJanuary 1994) is included in theappendix of this desk guide. Pleaserefer to it for a complete presentationof forest stewardship philosophy,values, and requirements for writtenplans.

Larry PayneUSDA Forest Service

Director, Cooperative Forestry Staff

The purpose of the Forest Stewardship Program is to assist private forest landowners in more actively managing their forest and related resources; to keep these lands in aproductive and healthy condition for present and future owners; and to increase theeconomic and environmental benefits of these lands.

Forest stewardship starts with landowners who care about their forest lands. They viewtheir land as a source of family enjoyment, a chance to leave something special for futuregenerations, as well as a potential source of income. They may need technical advice andfinancial assistance to make their vision for the land a reality.

From: Forest Stewardship Program, National Standards and Guidelines

OV E RV I E W

The National Standards and Guidelinesof the Forest Stewarship Programstate that a “Landowner[‘s] voluntaryparticipation in the ForestStewardship Program represents agood faith commitment to implementstrategies suggested in the land-ownerforest stewardship plan.” Participationin the program will not jeopardizeprivate property rights. The plans,

which “...identify and describe actionsto protect, manage, maintain andenhance relevant resources listed inthe law (soil, water, range, aestheticquality, recreation, timber, water, andfish and wildlife)” will be written tobe compatible with the landowner’sgoals and objectives for his or herproperty.

There is as much variation in the for-mat of forest stewardship plans asthere are writers of them. However,the Federal Government mandatescertain elements of a plan and manyStates require additional criteria. Thisdesk guide lists the Federal require-ments; refer to your State guidelinesfor State criteria.

We recommend that you develop astandard format for your office (orbetter yet, State) that is succinct andeasy to read. There is no lengthrequirement, but the plan shoulddescribe the land and habitatconditions, identify the managementobjectives, and present managementrecommendations fully.

The basic requirements of a foreststewardship plan are to: 1) identify

WRITING A FORESTSTEWARDSHIP PLAN

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the plan, 2) present managementobjectives, 3) describe baseline habitatconditions, 4) present managementrecommendations, and 5) includesupplemental information relevant to the plan. A State forester or anassigned professional resourcemanager must verify that the planmeets minimum standards of foreststewardship.

CO M P O N E N T SO F A FO R E S TST E WA R D S H I P PL A N

1. ID E N T I F Y T H E PL A N

A form, cover page, or cover section isgenerally sufficient to identify theplan and provide the basic informa-tion about the subject land and itssurrounding property. At a minimum,the cover page(s) should include:• Landowner’s name, address, and

phone number (some States requirethe landowner’s signature)

• Plan writer’s name, address, phonenumber, and signature

• Acreage under stewardship• Date of plan

In succinct, perhaps bulleted, style,include the following additional datain the cover section.• Landowner’s objectives (stated in

measurable terms)• General property description with

supporting management, orstewardship, objectives

• List of known threatened orendangered species

• Soils informationAlso include maps depicting propertyboundaries, cover types, water, roads,and other topographical features.

The following data is optional butrecommended to include in the cover section.

• Legal descriptionfor locating the site(plat survey infor-mation, tax bookinformation, orwritten directionsto the property)

• Interaction of sitewith surroundingproperties

• List of Federal,State, or privatelandownerassistance programsfor which the planmight also qualify

2. PR E S E N T MA N A G E M E N T

OB J E C T I V E S

After the cover section, whichidentifies the plan and presents anencapsulated version of the steward-ship values, the plan must include asection on goals and objectives. This isperhaps the single most importantelement of a successful plan.Identifying and articulating a few,specific goals for the landowner toachieve in his or her forest manage-ment plans will increase the plan’soverall effectiveness and landownersatisfaction. Moreover, once the goalsand objectives have been identified,the plan will be easier to writebecause clear goals suggest straight-forward, actionable solutions.

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LA N D O W N E ROB J E C T I V E S

The first and most essential task foryou, the writer of forest stewardshipplans, is to help the landowner identi-fy and articulate his or her forestmanagement objectives. It is importantto develop goals by which the plan can be evaluated. Often the landownerdoes not have defined objectives or hisor her objectives may be vague. Youcan help to clarify them.

Property deeds should be inspected todetermine whether the property hasrestrictive easements. Certain ease-ments may list specific conservationgoals or place restrictions on activitiesthat may be lawfully performed onthe property. These restrictions mustbe considered when identifying goalsand objectives.

Planning brochures that includeuseful forest management facts and abrief questionnaire or application,which NIPF landowners may com-plete when inquiring about the ForestStewardship Program, can serve tocollect important data about thesubject forest land. These fact-sheets,

brochures, and questionnaires canhelp landowners identify their ownneeds and interest in forest resourcemanagement.

To determine a landowner’sobjectives, identify his or herinterests, preferences, priorities, and financial and philosophicalcommitment to forest stewardship.Also determine the extent of thelandowner’s knowledge about natural resource management. Thisinformation is key to successfullyimplementing forest stewardshipvalues. Knowing the landowner’sexpectations and abilities will enableyou to set priorities for forest man-agement and tailor managementalternatives. The information will also help set priorities for fieldassessments.

Solutions for CollectingInformation

Kentucky and Minnesota forestry programshave designed pamphlets that contain aForest Stewardship application, which isavailable to landowners through the officesof State Forestry and Wildlife agencies, theNatural Resources Conservation Service,and other sources. North Carolina has astewardship request form available onlineat http://www.dnr.state.nc.us/managing/stewform.htm. North Carolina has receivedas many as 20 applications per month fromits Web site when coupled with a mediarelease or article.

To develop accurate landowner assess-ments, Michigan’s Forest ManagementDivision implements the Michigan ForestStewardship Assessment Form, which theplan writer helps the landowner completeprior to preparation of the plan.

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Plan writers should hold personal meetings witheach landowner and complete a checklist of subjectspertinent to the stewardship plan. Foresters may alsoadvise the landowner to contact a consultingresource planner or enroll in a coaching program, ifavailable, for developing a plan on his or her own.

Complete the following exercises and ask the NIPFlandowner the following questions.

1. Place in rank order the following valuesfor your property:______ aesthetics______ recreation______ timber production______ fish and wildlife______ range______ water______ soil(All the above resource values must beaddressed in the forest stewardship plan, but itis important to help the landowner narrow thescope of his or her objectives. The forest stew-ardship plans will be most effective if they aredirected toward achieving one major landown-er objective.)

2. How do the above priorities translate intospecific objectives, and how can those objectives be evaluated?Define specific outputs desired.(For example, is successful timber management best evaluated in termsof increased net present value? If so, specify the amount. Is successfulwildlife management best expressed by number of songbirds on summervisits to the property or by average weight of white-tailed deer? If so,specify the number.)

3. What is the landowner’s timeframe for results? (When does the landowner want or need results? How might thelandowner’s commitment to forest stewardship change if these timepreferences are not achieved?)

4. Are the landowner’s financial expectations consistent with theanticipated results of the forest stewardship plan?(How much time or capital can the landowner contribute to the plan?For noncommodity outputs (such as aesthetics or wildlife), how much isthe landowner willing to forfeit in timber-related revenues?)

5. Include any other considerations specific to your State.

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DI S C U S S I O N O FLA N D O W N E ROB J E C T I V E S

Many different factors influence alandowner’s goals and objectives.You must help weigh all of thefactors that will have an impact on a plan and the successful implemen-tation of stewardship values. Thefollowing information highlightssome of the matters that you musthelp a landowner consider before heor she settles on his or her finalstewardship objectives.

Identify the realistic potential of theproperty from the perspectives ofeach type of habitat. Evaluate theproperty as a sum of its parts and asa part of its surroundings. Manywildlife species use different habitattypes during their life cycles, andhabitat attributes change as the forestmatures. A covey of bobwhite quailhas an average home range of 1mile; the accepted minimum acreagerequired to sustain a breedingpopulation of cerulean warblers isabout 10,000 acres; and male white-tail deer range 5 or more linear milesduring the breeding season. Knowingthis kind of data is important fordeveloping actionable goals. Forexample, a proposal to manage a 7-acre hardwood stand for black bear and grouse is not feasible.Instead consider the objective to sus-tain those parts of bear and grouselife cycles that can be satisfied by thepresent and future habitats, and thenaddress how the species might inter-act with surrounding stand types forother parts of the life cycle.

Local economic forces may have animpact on a landowner’s objectives.For example, timber buyers may

have minimum volume or valuemargins below which they cannot orwill not bid. A realistic objectivemight be to combine several timberharvests and decrease the number ofoperations. Base financial steward-ship objectives on present and futureeconomic considerations.

Consider the social and ecologicalvalue of each property in relation toits surrounding landscape and creategoals that will have a positive impact,not only within plan boundaries butalso beyond them. Take into accountthe current and future economic andenvironmental benefits associatedwith the forest resources at thecounty, State, and watershed levels.Consider the age, amount, and distri-bution of forests in relation to habitatgaps within the landscape and at thelocal, county, State, and national lev-els. Consider further the impact ofprescribed habitat modifications toachieving a landowner’s objectives, aswell as State and national goals. Howdo all these factors affect the subjectproperty? In short, of what impor-tance are NIPF lands to the economic,ecological, and social issues in yourcounty, State, and region? In addi-tion, how do they relate to nationalconservation objectives?

Keep landowners informed of thedecisionmaking process by showingthem how their property fits into the big picture. When formulatingalternative management strategies,plan writers should ask the following questions:

• Are there any constraints on thetract (that is, size, type, location) oron surrounding or adjacent landuses that may affect the land-owner’s objectives?

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• What is the local pattern of landuse?

• Are nearby or adjacent lands afford-ed long-term protection (that is,conservation or floodplain ease-ments, tree farms, State wildlifemanagement areas, national parks,or wildlife refuges)?

• Are the landowner’s interestsconducive to the long-term conser-vation of the property? If so, whatgroups or agencies in the area mightprovide such protection?

• Are there deed restrictions or ease-ments that may limit the landown-er’s goals?

• Which forest management practicescomplement surrounding land-usepractices and State or watershed pri-orities and needs?

• Are the landowner’s priorityobjectives compatible?

• What effect will local economicforces, State regulation, adjacentlandowners, or special interests haveon implementing the ForestStewardship Plan? (For example, theState of Mississippi assesses a specialtax on landowners in the Delta thathave restored forest wetland habitaton previously farmed lands.)

• Are prescribed management activitiescompatible with the landowner’sgoals? (For example, will recom-mended harvests generate sufficientwood products to generate positivecash flow for the landowner?)

WR I T I N G LA N D O W N E ROB J E C T I V E S

Use clear, concrete language whenwriting landowner objectives. Goalsmust be achievable and should beexpressed in terms that are easily

measured. Bullet formats usually workbest when listing objectives, and shortphrases using the landowner’s ownwords are preferred. Proper forestterminology can be included in paren-theses at the end of the objective.

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The following are examples of concise, specific, and achiev-able objectives drawn from written forest stewardship planNotice how compatible objectives are listed in rank orderand include management recommendations.

Sample Objectives from a ForestStewardship PlanLandowner objectives are described as follows:1. Improve bottomland hardwood timber resources.

• Increase the quality, size, and distribution of mer-chantable timber in hardwood stands.

• Perpetuate red oak species in hardwood stands.• Restore fallow fields to hardwood forests comprised of

site-specific, native species.

2. Improve wintering habitat for migratorywaterfowl.

• Establish 45-acre moist soil impoundment in fallowfield located in central portion of property.

• Improve manageability of water levels in existing beavpond located on south side of property.

• Create 62-acre green tree reservoir in stand #2.• Reduce the density of shade tolerant stems from within

the mid- and under-stories of hardwood stands.• Create a few 1/2-acre openings within the green tree

reservoir.

3. Reduce nonpoint source pollution from agriculturafields located on the property.

Objectives from a Florida ForestStewardship PlanThe primary objective of the landowner is to enhance thequality of habitat for both game and nongame species. Thlandowner has a particular interest in management forwhite-tailed deer, wild turkey, quail, and songbirds. Otheobjectives include wise management of timber resources.

Objectives from a North CarolinaForest Stewardship PlanThe landowner wishes to open up the area immediatelysurrounding an existing home for the purposes of improvedaesthetics, safety, and fire prevention. Beyond this thelandowner desires to establish woodland trails forrecreation. Timber production is a secondary objective.

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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:NAT I O N A L PR O G R A M S,STAT E PR O G R A M S, A N DPA RT N E R S H I P S

A landowner’s objectives can some-times be addressed by existing nation-al or regional programs that targetwater quality, wildlife, or timberresources. For example, NorthCarolina has developed the EarlySuccession Species (Quail) Initiativeto encourage landowners to conductmanagement activities that benefitearly-succession species. The bob-white quail, one such species, is suf-fering drastic population declinesthroughout the Southeastern UnitedStates. All NIPF landowners willpotentially benefit from the statewideimplementation, by 2002, of this pro-gram. Check to see whether there areprograms like this in your area thatwill benefit landowner’s managementobjectives and stewardship plans.

Landowners may state objectives thatare best addressed by an agency orgroup other than the USDA ForestService. Many public and privategroups, both local and national, areavailable to form partnerships forachieving the goals established in aplan. These groups may conduct sitevisits and participate in addressingstewardship objectives. They offer abroad perspective of planning in thearea. Partnering with certain agenciescan advance soil and water conserva-tion, wildlife, recreation, and aestheticobjectives more effectively. Whencooperating partners differ as to acourse of action, present several

options to the landowner to considerand select the option that fits best.Include only the landowner’spreferred alternatives in the finalforest stewardship plan.

Partnership programs within theFederal system that complementforest stewardship planning are:• USDA Natural Resources

Conservation Service (NRCS)Wetland Reserve Program (WRP),Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program(WHIP), Environmental QualityIncentive Program (EQIP), andConservation Reserve EnhancementProgram (CREP)

• USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)Conservation Reserve Program(CRP)

• USDA Forest Service Forest LegacyProgram

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServicePartners for Fish and WildlifeProgram

Examples of other sources of assis-tance for NIPF landowners, whichmay be more local in scope andpurpose include:• Nature Conservancy• Ducks Unlimited Private Lands

Program• Quail Unlimited, Pheasants Forever • National Wild Turkey Federation • Delta Wildlife• Mississippi Wildlife • Environmental Synergy, Inc.

Many States also have State-fundedforest landowner assistance programs.If you are not aware of these, contactyour State forester’s office.

3. DE S C R I B E BA S E L I N E

HA B I TAT CO N D I T I O N S

A description of habitat conditionsshould begin with an overview of thesubject property. The overview shouldinclude information such as how toaccess the property, its significantfeatures, and its past and current uses.This general description may includedata such as cover types, soils, andtopographical features. It should also include any cultural or naturalheritage resource that may be on ornear the property.

The required elements of a foreststewardship plan are field inspection,maps, cover type/stand description,soils information, wildlife and fish,water quality, recreation andaesthetics, wetlands, and heritageresources. The sections that followdiscuss the required elements indescribing the subject property and its habitat conditions.

Field InspectionA thorough examination of forestresources is the necessary startingpoint for any forest stewardship plan.The plan writer should lead or be apart of the examination team alongwith the landowner or his or herassigned representative. A biologistfrom the State department of wildlifeor the district conservationist from theNRCS may also be helpful in identify-ing the multi-resource issues of thesubject property. Identifying andexplaining forest management needsare best done in the field where thelandowner may interact with resourcespecialists.

Gather supplemental material aboutthe property such as maps, aerialphotos, sample plot data, quad sheets,

published soilsurveys,culturalresourcemaps, naturalheritagemaps, andanecdotalinformationshared byother ownersor resourcespecialists.Mandatoryfield methodsvary amongthe States.Once collect-ed, this mate-rial shouldprovide sufficient data upon which to base reliable recommendations.Consult your State guidelines forrequired State information.

Within the subject property, variationsin forest cover type, size class, age,stocking, origin, stand condition, andsite capability, which all producediverse habitat conditions, may alsorequire different management strate-gies. Divide the prop-erty into units, stands,tracts, or compart-ments as necessary and practical formaking managementrecommendations.Keep it simple.Delineating manage-ment units must alsoreflect the landowner’sobjectives, multiple-use considerations,environmental protec-tion factors, andprevailing timbermarkets.

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MapsInclude one or more maps that clearlydepict property boundaries, manage-ment units, water, trails and roads,and other significant features. Labelmaps with their appropriate scale andnorth arrow. Include any importantfeatures of neighboring property suchas lakes, roads, stands, and structures,particularly if they influence steward-ship objectives. Label the manage-ment units and other special sitesreferenced in the forest stewardshipplan.

Cover Type/Stand DescriptionDescribe existing forest resources indetail. Discuss the property’s potentialfor timber, even when this commodityis not a high priority for the land-owner. The economic potential of theforest land is an important character-istic to document. Descriptive detail of forest stand characteristics mayfacilitate timber production, but standdescriptions should be tailored to thelandowner’s objectives.

Address all stewardship values whendescribing the forest land. If specificresources are absent (that is, culturalor recreational), they should never-theless be referred to as None or Nonefound. Color photographs may behelpful to show current stand condi-tions. Photographs provide a visualimage of the site and can be very use-ful in documenting seasonal changesor the effects of the passage of time.

Consider outlining objectives for thedesired future vegetative communityin the description. Describe theoutcomes of implementing recom-mendations, that is, what the standwill eventually look like when thelandowner’s goals are achieved.Contrast the future vision to existingforest conditions.

Identify important and unique standsor cover types by name or numberand size (in acres) in the narrativeand correspondingly in the planmaps. Include information that isunique to the stand.

States vary as to whether Stateforestry personnel or private forestryconsultants under contract to thelandowner should complete the standdescription. Similarly, whether or nottimber cruising or appraisals should

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be included in the forest stewardshipplan or funded by the program is atthe discretion of the State agencies.

A description of forested habitats will be a major emphasis in mostplans. While estimates based uponobservations may be sufficient tomake reliable recommendations, thedetail required in the final planshould always reflect your State’sneeds and standards.

Regardless of the level of detail,descriptions should provide anaccurate assessment of forest resourceconditions and opportunities, andthey should indicate whether there isa need for private forestry consultantsto perform a more comprehensiveappraisal.

Stand volumes should be clearlyemphasized to the landowner,whether or not the data is sufficientfor sale purposes. Consult your Stateguidelines for more information onstand volumes.

The following data may be includedin stand descriptions, depending uponthe objectives identified in the plan.• Timber type classification• Volume/density• Growth• Age• Species composition• Size-classes, distribution• Stocking• Stand history• Stand significance due to

location/other attributes• Forest/stand health• Wildfire hazards and risks• Pests and disease• Other wildlife-specific criteria• Snags• Den trees• Edge• Mast availability• Browse• Ground cover• Canopy cover• Canopy layers• Stand diversity• Noxious/nonendemic species• Other

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The following stand description is a good example of a complete assessment of cover type. Notice thenumber of criteria included in the description and the emphasis placed on the insufficient volume datafor purposes of sale.

Stand Description from a Minnesota Forest Stewardship PlanObjective: Timber management

Cover Type: Mature Aspen

Summary Data:Age: 70+ yearsGrowth Potential: HighSite Index: 75 (aspen)Timber Quality: GoodTree Density: AverageBasal Area: 100

Estimated Volume/Acre (not accurate for sales):

Aspen 25.4 cordsSpruce 1.7Birch 1.4Total 28.5 cords/ac

This stand contains mature 12-inch diameter aspen and birch and 20-inch diameter spruce. The birchand aspen are beginning to deteriorate from heart rot. This timber should be harvested now or in thenear future. The understory is medium density and consists of hazel brush, alder, red stem dogwood,and thimbleberry growing over a layer of grass and other herbaceous annuals. Regeneration consistsof about 2,000 aspen seedlings per acre where there are openings in the canopy. Deer, moose, wolves,bear, and small mammals utilize such habitats. The terrain is gently sloping. (A description of soilfeatures was also included.)

Some stand descriptions are written to reflect specific management objectives, as the examples belowshow.

Sample Stand Description from a Forest Stewardship Plan

Objective: Increased utilization by waterfowl, perpetuation of southern red oak in a green treereservoir habitat.

High stem density (overstocking), coupled with a low occurrence of openings within the main canopyfor use by waterfowl as entrance points, is less than optimal for use of green tree reservoir areas bywintering mallards and wood ducks (Reference 1.1, Appendix A). Dominant and codominant crownsare receding drastically. The paucity of advance red oak reproduction throughout most of the standindicates a progression towards predominantly more shade-tolerant, non-oak species composition.Stand regeneration at this time would likely produce a future stand with an oak component far lessthan desired. The herbaceous component is sparse; of little or no use as source of waterfowl forage.Soils are of the Alligator Series and productivity is very good for species comprising this stand. No his-torical or cultural resources exist in this unit. Implemented thoughtfully, a prescribed timber thinningwill enhance the use of this stand by migrating and wintering mallards and increasing advance redoak reproduction by opening the stand and creating small gaps within the canopy-both of whichincrease sunlight that reaches the forest floor and facilitates access by mallards and wood ducks. Longterm, establishment of red oak in the understory will foster the replacement of felled stems by thisspecies and assure the continued availability of hard mast. Refer to management recommendations forthis stand.

The following is a good example of soilsinformation. Notice that the description isproperty-wide and addresses the limita-tions on the property because of the soiltype.

Soils Information from anIndiana ForestStewardship PlanThe property is characterized by hilly ter-rain and short, steep slopes. Maximumrelief is 130 feet. Primary soil types arerider silt loams along the ridges and Berks-Weikert soils along the slopes. These soilshave potential for excellent tree growth.Site limitations include limited access (forlogging operations) due to steep slopes,impassable ravines; high potential for ero-sion. Trail or road construction shouldinclude establishment of permanent waterdiversion structures and perennial vegeta-tion cover.

Soils Information All forest stewardship plans shouldinclude a discussion of soil features in a manner compatible with thelandowner’s objectives. Include theseries as well as pertinent properties,drainage, or associated topography,particularly as they relate to restric-tions or site productivity. Diverse con-ditions and cover type may necessitateseveral different descriptions for theproperty. Consult any publishedcounty soil surveys; they are invalu-able sources of information.

Descriptions may also include references to other stewardship programs.

Stand Description from an Indiana Forest Stewardship PlanOwner’s Goals: Income from commercial timber production. Hunting and personal enjoyment aresecondary objectives.

Stand Description: These stands, 26.5 acres in aggregate, appear to have the best timber on the prop-erty. Generally pole to medium sawlog sizes and fully stocked. A few veteran sized stems and a goodnumber of damaged, poorly formed or otherwise undesirable trees are present. Species include sugarmaple, yellow poplar, hickory, black gum, eastern red cedar, chinquapin oak, black oak, white oak,sassafras, red oak, sycamore, and black walnut. Grapevines pose a moderate problem in most places.Except for the bottomland site this area is only mediocre productive potential. Note: This stand qual-ifies for the Indiana Classified Forest Program, for which an application and instructions are enclosed.

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Examples of Statements on Threatened andEndangered (T&E) SpeciesThe State’s T&E databases were checked for indications that T&E species might be presenton this property. No records were found. Likewise, no evidence of T&E species was seenduring an inspection of the property. Nevertheless, in this part of the State, this habitattype may be inhabited by.... The management practices presented in this plan will notdegrade habitat conditions favorable for this species. Or, The State’s T&E databases werechecked for indications that T&E species might be present on this property. No recordswere found. Likewise, no evidence of T&E species was seen during an inspection of theproperty.

T&E species from a New York Forest Management PlanA search of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records indicatesno endangered, threatened, or rare flora or fauna on this property at the present time.

Wildlife and Fish Federally protected species will affecta stewardship plan. The species ofconcern in your State might be notedin local databases or the State naturalheritage records. Contact the ecologi-cal service office of the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service, or the fish andwildlife staff in your State for techni-cal assistance to identify endangeredspecies and their implication for man-agement plans. All forest stewardship

plans should address rare, threatened,or endangered species.

Plan writers should include a state-ment on whether or not endangeredspecies were found or are likely toexist on the property. If they do, then writers should refer thelandowner to the appropriate entityfor information and assistance, and/orinclude relevant information in theplan.

Whether the landowner embraceswildlife as a primary objective or sim-ply as a side benefit to the productionof forest products, species habitat andlife cycle must still be considered in theplan. Primary emphasis on timberproducts may limit the range ofwildlife to be managed. When timberis the primary objective, describewhich wildlife species will be affectedwhen the plan is executed. Silvicuturalpractices do affect forest wildlife andactive consideration of the effects ofhabitat change on the forest flora andfauna is an important part of thestewardship plan.

When the landowner places wildlife asthe primary objective, focus the planon habitat conditions that are specificto the needs of wildlife species. List thehabitat attributes that are of greatestbenefit to the range of target species.Describe the strengths and weaknessesof present conditions and whatchanges, if any, are required.

The following is an example of a good description of wildlife habitats in a managementplan. Notice the references to wildlife and fish populations and habitat and their nationaland regional status. Fish and wildlife habitat and T&E species were addressed inseparate sections of the plan.

Wildlife and Fish Descriptions from a CaliforniaStewardship PlanAlthough the summer flows in Indian Creek are quite low and the creek goes under-ground in some sections, it nevertheless supports a resident and an anadramous fishery.The riparian habitat along Indian Creek and its tributaries support a variety of wildlife,including deer, bear, ring-tail cats, and various reptiles and amphibians.

Sierra Pacific Industries located northern spotted owls on their lands to the east of thisproperty. In 1989, a northern spotted owl was heard during the course of two consecu-tive nights of survey in the vicinity of the property. A fisher (of significant interest toCalifornia public) was observed in the same location. Bald eagles (T&E species) haveoccasionally been observed flying up the creek, a goshawk (special concern species) nestedon the property over a period of 3 years during the mid eighties, and great egrets andgreat blue herons (special concern species) are often seen along Indian Creek.

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Water Quality All forest stewardship plans mustaddress watershed and water qualityissues in a manner compatible with the landowner’s objectives.Additionally, all management activi-ties must protect water quality. Theplan can be the guide to preservingand protecting this forest resource.Each State will have guidelines andrecommendations on water qualityspecific to its region.

A Forest Service Watershed Coordinatorrecommends the following:“Identify the watershed(s) in which theproperty lies by name and/or HydrologicUnit Code (HUC) available from State,U.S. Geological Survey, or NaturalResources Conservation Service maps.Locate perennial and intermittent streamson the property and estimate their length

in (miles or linear feet). Identify knownwater quality problems on or upstream ofproperty and any opportunities forimprovement on the property. Existingriparian forests adjoining agriculturalfields currently serving as buffers andpotential opportunities for afforestation ofother buffer areas should be identified. Ifknown, identify streams that are currentlyin use as drinking water sources and thelocation of any intakes on the propertyrequiring special protection. Identify man-agement objectives and proposed manage-ment or protective measures for existingriparian stands.”

Recreation and AestheticsManagement practices to enhance theobjectives of recreation and aestheticsare comparatively easy to implement.Measures to enhance natural aesthet-ics include converting agriculturalfields to hardwood forests, favoringlarge-sized hardwood stems withinforest stands, and creating woodedbuffer zones to protect riparian areasand enhance wildlife suitability. Otherconsiderations include:• Types of forest-oriented recreational

activities valued by the landowneror area residents

• Diversity of habitat• Visual impact of various forest

management practices

The following is an example of a briefassessment of water quality.

Water Quality from aNew York ForestStewardship PlanWater quality is excellent. There is noactive soil erosion at this time.Important considerations include:• Streamside management zones (SMZ)• Filter strips• Stream crossings

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• Plant species favored in the areabecause of color, flower, or othercharacteristics

• Key access routes and areascommonly viewed by public

• Objects of special value to land-owner, that is, vistas, bluffs, oldhome sites, unique stands of trees,rare flowering plants

• Streams, other waterways• Hiking trails• Picnic areas

WetlandsWetland values should be consideredand evaluated in all forest steward-ship plans. Three criteria are used toidentify wetlands: hydrology, vegeta-tion, and soils.

Wetlands are subject to Federalprotection. It is important to makethe landowner aware of the ecologi-cal value of wetlands and importantlegal issues associated with wetlandareas. Management activities thatrequire moving soil in a wetland area,for example, will likely require aGovernment permit. At least threegovernmental agencies administerregulatory authority concerning wet-lands. They are the county or cityplanning and zoning office, the State

department of natural resources, andthe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.Before initiating a wetland project, besure that the appropriate permitshave been secured. Most wetlandsconservation practices, and manyother forest management practices,are eligible for cost sharing throughvarious programs. Some States orcounties may offer forest manage-ment incentives or wetland tax creditsor deductions. Direct inquiries to theState forester.Sources of techni-cal assistanceinclude the Stateforestry agencies,U.S. Fish andWildlife Service,and the NaturalResourcesConservationService.

The following statement addresses thelandowner’s priority of aesthetics andrecreation.

Aesthetics andRecreation from ColoradoForest Stewardship PlanThere are unique scenic viewsheds fromthe higher elevations of this property,especially of the Continental Divide fromManagement Units 7 and 9. The expan-sive, green meadow of the drainage is apleasant green change in scenery to anotherwise arid landscape. Recreationalopportunities abound in the forms ofhiking and wildlife observation.

The following examples address wetlandareas.

Wetlands from a New YorkForest Stewardship PlanAll streams on this property are classified“D” and do not require a permit for minorprojects which would alter their bed orbanks. There are no protected wetlands orstreams on the property.

Water Sources from a ColoradoForest Stewardship PlanDutton Creek is a permanent water sourcethat flows through the northwest corner ofthe property. A small pond located betweena driveway and homesite catches runoff. Anold irrigation ditch located on the lowerbench collects runoff and has water inter-mittently. About 1 mile upstream from theproperty is a reservoir that seasonally storeswater from Dutton Creek. Another reservoiris located across the road from the property.Both nearby reservoirs serve as watersources in the event of wildfire. With respectto existing land use practices, risk of dimin-ished water quality is minimized.

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The following guidelinesfor wetland protectionshould be incorporatedinto forest managementactivities.• Do not route roads

through wetlands or onsteep slopes subject toerosion. Fillings forroads may destroy wet-land habitat, obstruct ormodify the flow of waterto or through wetlands,and may contribute tosedimentation.

• Restrict timber harvest activities tothose times of year when ruttingand soil compaction are minimized.In the South for example, latesummer is usually an ideal time. Thewinter months, when wetlands arefrozen, may be best in other parts ofthe country.

• Do not establish log landings inwetland areas when other sites areavailable. Heavy equipment usagedamages wetland vegetation,compacts hydric soils, and increasescontamination from pollutants (thatis, oil and gas) into wetlands.

• Leave buffers of vegetation aroundwetlands. Trees provide nest sitesand cavities for many wildlifespecies, provide shading to wetlandsto reduce desiccation and maintainlower aquatic temperatures, andhelp to prevent sedimentation.

• Avoid the use of pesticides notlabeled for aquatic use on or nearwetlands.

• Establish vegetation on disturbedsoils adjacent to or near wetlands.

• Keep slash out of wetland areas.Slash accumulation accelerateswetland filling and may deplete oxy-gen levels in water.

Heritage ResourcesA key element in all forest steward-ship plans is a description of thehistorical and cultural resources of thegeneral area and the subject property.Heritage resources are nonrenewable;they can never be replaced oncedestroyed. Good stewardship impliesvaluing the evidence of past humanoccupation on the land. Federal andState laws protect heritage resourcesfrom disturbances, destruction, orremoval. Landowners should be made aware of laws pertaining tohistorical and cultural resources intheir State. Planners should consultlocal authorities within the plan area.

Plan writers should include a statementas to whether or not these resourcesexist on the property. If they do, thenwriters should refer the landowner tothe appropriate entity for informationand assistance and/or include relevantinformation in the plan. Consider thefollowing elements for protecting her-itage resources on private forest lands.• Determine the locations of these

resources, particularly cemeteries,prior to implementing the project.

• Plan natural resource managementpractices to avoid disturbing theground on or near historical sites, ifpossible.

• Work with existing land contoursrather than reshaping the landscapeto reduce the chance of disturbingthese resources.

• Retain any objects or artifacts dis-covered during a project and recordthe location from which they cameto preserve their value for research.

• Cease all work and immediatelynotify local law enforcement and theoffice of the State archaeologist ifhuman remains are accidentallyunearthed.

• Revegetate agricultural sites to reducelong-term degradation of heritageresources by eliminating cultivation as a source of continued disturbance.

• Establish riparian buffer zones andfilter strips (which will also protectwater quality).

• Use conservation easements to protectsensitive environmental and culturalqualities.

For more information on this important subject, contact the historicpreservation office, department ofarchives, office of archaeology, or other agency in your State responsiblefor distributing heritage resourceinformation and implementing laws.

Other Items of ImportanceAlthough they are not required, the following elements are common in forest stewardship plans around the country.• Good records for tax purposes • Sources of recognition for which

the stand might qualify (that is, Tree Farmer Program)

• Opportunities for alternative sourcesof income (for example, harvest ofmorel mushrooms, bird watchingtours, recreational activities)

• Opportunities to restore endemicplant or animal communities.

• Mineral resources• Cleanup and rehabilitation needs

The following is a good example of how toaddress the historical and culturalresources in your plan.

Heritage Resources from aCalifornia ForestStewardship PlanNo prehistoric sites, features, nor artifactswere discovered. Some historical sites werefound.

An old water ditch runs along portions ofthe southern boundary. The water ditchwas used to transport water needed to minethe property. Three ditches and piles ofriver rock is evidence of placer mining,which occurred. On a small glade at thesouthwestern corner of the property are theremains of a cabin basement, which is a12-feet-wide by 30-feet-long by 7-feet-deephole in the ground partially lined withstacked, unmortared river rock.

Recommendations:1. Check with Northeast

Information Center, CaliforniaArcheological Inventory,Department of Anthropology...and have a trained archeologistconduct a site survey beforeexecuting ground disturbingprojects. Protect any known,significant sites as per theirinstructions.

2. If a site is located duringproject implementation, protect the site from furtherdisturbance until a trainedarcheologist can determine ifthe site is significant andwarrants further protection.

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4. PR E S E N T MA N A G E M E N T

RE C O M M E N D AT I O N S

The next section of the plan willcontain the essential strategy forachieving the landowner’s objectives.This part should be operational andaction-oriented. The management rec-ommendations will be the landowner’sown road map to implementing thestewardship plan successfully. In thispart you will include the necessarysteps for accomplishing the goals, thatis, the how, what, when, where, andwho of active forest management.

Recommendations should be at thestand or management unit level andmay specify maintenance activitiesand change over time. Specify exactlywhat is required to achieve theobjectives and avoid using ambiguousphrasing such as “may need to dothis” or “might need to do that.”

Consider future needs and includesources of future support in therecommendations to convey that the objective can be achieved andsustained for many years to come.Include the sources of professional

expertise that will help guide andimplement a plan.

You might also include an estimate ofcosts and revenues over time, specify-ing cost-share or partnership opportu-nities that foster sound habitat man-agement practices and increase thevalue in the landowner’s investmentin forest stewardship. Providing a costcomparison of assistance programs ormanagement practices will convey thebenefit of forest stewardship in con-crete, measurable terms that NIPFlandowners and everyone else readilyunderstand—dollars and cents.

Alternative management strategies,and their environmental and econom-ic consequences, should be discussedwith the landowner throughout thedevelopment of the plan, but do notcite all the alternatives in the plan.Include in the final document onlythose strategies that satisfy thelandowner’s objectives and include aschedule for reviewing and updatingthe plan. Landowners always have theoption to do nothing, or to do some-thing other than what was advised,but this alternative need not be elabo-rated upon in the final document.

The following examples show additional elements to include in forest stewardship plans.

Recognition Program from an Indiana ForestStewardship PlanYour woodland is eligible for inclusion in the Classified Forest Program. This programallows landowners with a minimum of 10 contiguous acres of forest that are being man-aged under the Woodland Stewardship Program to receive significant tax and technicalassistance benefits. Once classified the forest is assessed at $1.00 per acre per year forproperty tax purposes, which can result in substantial tax savings. A no-cost woodlandinspection from a professional forester is provided once every 5 years.

Clean-up from a Missouri Forest Stewardship PlanThe remnants of an abandoned sawmill, constructed for prior harvest activities, detractfrom aesthetics. Scrap metal and refuse should be eventually removed.

Income Potential from a Vermont Forest Stewardship PlanThere is excellent potential for generating revenue through production of maple syrupand Christmas trees in some areas of the property.

Provide a brief summary of manage-ment recommendations that supportstewardship objectives. Highlightanticipated benefits of active forest

management to landowners, forest resources, andsociety.

The following excerpts are good examples of management recommendations for a foreststewardship plan. Notice the goal-specific recommendations.

Stand Description from a Minnesota Forest Stewardship PlanStand Number: 2Stand Objective: Forest products, habitatPrescription: Prep-cut ShelterwoodTo Be Removed:

BA/acre: 65Total Vol.: 20/cds/12mbf

Timing: Fall 2002

Treatment targets the gradual regeneration of this mature stand, over a period of 20-25years, to the same species composition. It is intended that the white pine component willincrease with the shelterwood system. Many trees that need to be removed shall be felledor girdled as a means of timber stand improvement in the absence of nearby pulp mar-kets. Ideally, timber harvest should occur in a year that the white pine mast crop is good.Mechanical felling should be conducted when the ground is not covered with snow tofacilitate scarification of the duff layer and promote the establishment of white pine.

Management Recommendations from a North Carolina ForestStewardship PlanLandowner objective: Establish recreational trails.The proposed trailhead should be located at the terminus of an existing logging road,just up the hill from your home. The old logging road system running throughout yourproperty provides an ideal skeleton for the proposed hiking trails. Please refer to theenclosed map for estimated trail routes. The following are major considerations for recre-ational trail construction:• Follow land contours and avoid establishment of trails on slopes

over 20 percent if at all possible to minimize the potential for erosionand to ensure ease of traverse.

• Prune limbs 1 to 2 feet from either side of the actual trail, andextend height clearance to 12 feet to prevent injury or discomfortwhile on horseback.

• Perform annual maintenance that includes removal of woody regen-eration from the trail to maximize the trails’ recreation potential.

• Don’t remove large trees from the trail-simply route the trail aroundthem.

• To increase wildlife viewing, erect birdhouses and wildlife feedersalong the trail. Plant sunlit portions of the trail with ryegrass,clover, or wildflowers.

• Install erosion control devices on steeper portions of the trail to pre-vent sedimentation of adjacent creeks and wash out of the trail.

• If desired, educate persons using the trail by posting informationalsigns. Contact the North Carolina Forest Service to help identify treespecies and ecotypes.

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With creativity and initiative, plan coor-dinators can forge partnerships withother organizations that will providetechnical assistance, services, and materi-als at little or no cost to the landownersor the State.

TimelineThe minimum duration for a plan to meetforest stewardship program requirementsis 5 years, although some States require alonger period of time.

It is always helpful to provide a timelinefor prescribed activities. Include in the

Management Recommendations from a Mississippi ForestStewardship PlanLocated near Crowder, MS, the Smith property is located 0.75 miles west of 4,200-acre ColdwaterNational Wildlife Refuge. The surrounding area is characterized predominately by row crop agricultureand traditionally winters many thousands of migratory waterfowl. Past management practices havegreatly impoverished timber and habitat values on this property. Completion of the stewardship goalsdescribed herein will provide recreational and financial benefits to the Smith family and will fulfill cru-cial life cycle requirements for migratory waterfowl in this area of Mississippi, particularly as part of amuch larger habitat complex that encompasses surrounding properties and land-use practices.

Management Recommendations from a Florida ForestStewardship PlanWildlife management practices on this property...will provide optimal habitat conditions for deer, turkey,quail, and songbirds...and are conducive to the conservation of the threatened and endangered speciesknown to occur locally.

Management Recommendations from a California ForestStewardship PlanImproved soil, water, and forest quality...as enhanced through the stewardship practices advocated inthis plan fulfill the landowner’s objective to...create and maintain a land-based homestead that providesresources and amenities to support the occupants of the homestead, their lifestyles, and their land ethicand social values. These values include sharing the abundance of their lives with family and friendsand passing on a world that has been enhanced by their stewardship.

Management Recommendations from a Minnesota WoodlandStewardship PlanStewardship Objective:Restore these wetlands to natural conditions to recreate quality habitat for waterfowl, furbearer,amphibian and reptile habitats that were lost during conversion. Restorations will improve watershedquality conditions-reduce runoff, sedimentation, nutrient loading, and groundwater discharge.

Recommended Management Activities:1. Conduct feasibility surveys to determine desired water levels and appropriate water level control

structures. (Project: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has currently completed surveys on Sites W1,W2, and W3. Will complete survey on Site W4 and provide details and designs. Technical assis-tance from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be provided at no cost to the landowner.)

2. Determine acceptable restorations and install water control structures. (Project: Installation ofstructures, dams, and dikes will be completed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with funds throughthe Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, and through the Rush Lake Watershed ImprovementProject, at no cost to the landowner.)

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The following examples show timelines for implementing objectives in differeformats. The first example was included in the front of the plan with a referento supplemental information at the back. The second two examples emphasize thactions to be accomplished in each season.

Timeline from an Indiana Forest Stewardship PlanYEAR STAND ACTIVITIES1999 1 Thin with combination of intermediate/regeneration

cutting practices1999 2 Harvest cedar component to release hardwoods1999 3 Harvest cedar component2000 1-3 Timber stand improvement to complete regeneration

openings and remove grapevines and undesirable speci

Timeline from a North Carolina Forest Stewardship PlanYEAR AREA ACTIVITIES ASSISTANCE

AVAILABLE1998 1-3 Regrade logging roads ---

Precommercial thinning ---Establish food plots on logging ---Decks Yes

5 Plant trees along entrance YesEstablish warm season grasses Yes

1998- 4 Broadcast Japanese millet on2004 exposed pond banks at rate of

25 lbs/acre in late June. Yes1999 1 Install culvert and waterbars in

new road ---1997- 4 Install wood duck nest boxes along

creek and beaver pond, 1 per year, remember predator guards Yes

2008 2,3,4 Commercial pulpwood thinning.Thin to residual spacing of about15 feet between residual trees (Basal area 70 sqft/acre). ---

2009 All Revisit property for updateof stewardship plan. Identifyfuture needs. ---

2030 2,3,4 Regeneration harvest for portionsof these stands for financial returns. Yes

Timeline from a North Carolina Forest Stewardship PlanJune 2001 - 2005 Hire a consulting forester and have Area #3 harvested

at the earliest opportunity. Leave 10 nonmerchantableblack cherry trees standing per acre. Fell all other residual stems for erosion control and natural regeneration

July 2001 until Mow food plots in Area #2 to stimulate growth, vigor,and reproduction of clover and grasses. Be mindful ofnesting birds, although they should have completednesting by this time.

September 2006 One year post harvest, evaluate Area #3 for naturalstocking.

September 2010 Perform necessary trail maintenance. Reinforce erosioncontrol devices. Evaluate species composition in Area #

timeline informa-tion on when theplan will bereviewed andupdated. Bespecific, but berealistic about thetime that it willtake to achieve thelandowner’s objec-tives. The timelinewill probably bemore important tolandowner thanalmost any othersection of the plan,particularly wherefuture revenues areexpected.

Consider convert-ing the timelineinto an action list,which thelandowner may useas a check-off listfor prescribed activ-ities. Some plansplace the timelineat the front of theplan rather than atthe end. SomeStates include a“check whencompleted” columnin the standprescriptions toserve as a record ofaccomplishing theobjectives. Thesetips have beenhighly effective inkeeping landown-ers on the righttrack.

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Communicating the PlanWhen the forest stewardship plan iscompleted, you must present it to the landowner. This is an importantevent and should be approachedthoughtfully. Forest stewardship planpackages come in many shapes andsizes. They may be photocopied, sta-pled pages, or they may be carefullybound and include color photographsand inspirational quotes. Organizethe material in the plan in an easy-to-follow and attractive manner. EachState has discretion for how the planwill be presented to the landowner.

Information specific to the majorstewardship issues in each State maybe important to include with eachplan so that the landowner will gaina greater appreciation for stewardshipissues as a whole. Each plan shouldbe a living document that can beupdated and will easily accommodatenew information relevant to thehealth and stewardship of forests.

5 . IN C L U D E SU P P L E M E N TA LIN F O R M AT I O N

Include relevant supplementaldocuments and information in anappendix at the end of the plan. Thisadditional material will support therecommended practices and offer morecomplete information on a number oftopics touched on in the plan. ManyStates and resource consultants havestandardized packages of supplementalmaterial that may be added to theplan. Include or remove materials asneeded to suit the landowner’s needs.Federal and State agencies, cooperativeextension programs, industry, andspecial interest organizations will alsohave well-prepared documents onrelevant subjects that are available for

Minnesota’s SampleFormatThe Minnesota Division of Forestry pro-vides NIPF landowners with an appeal-ing and useful format for forest steward-ship plans. Their plans are bound inattractive three-ring binders, and coloredtabs separate the information in the fol-lowing subjects. • Table of Contents• The Forest Stewardship Plan• Correspondence• Cost-share Records• Tax Records• Other Records• Forest Ecology• Wildlife• Soil• Water• Tree Species• Forest Products• Harvest • Regeneration• Timber Stand Improvement• Protection• Forest Facts• Tax Issues• Information Sources• Assistance Directory• Glossary• Index• Past Plans

More helpful suggestionsof items to include:• Glossary of technical terms or forestry

practices common to natural resourcemanagement

• Brochures, newsletters, publications• Publications specific to State Best

Management Practices• Extension bulletins, fact sheets, “how

to do it” handouts, Woodland Fishand Wildlife publications

• Sources of planting stock, forestry andwildlife equipment supplies

• Directories of natural resource consult-ants, contractors, loggers, and agenciesthat are available for assistance incompleting various resource activities

• Descriptive materials, enrollmentforms, and applications relevant toreceiving additional technical, finan-cial, or educational assistance fromState, Federal, or other partners pro-grams

• Bibliography of useful references, suchas Web sites and scheduled workshops

• Explanations of applicable regulatoryprograms, especially as they apply to:• Historical and cultural resources• Wetlands• Threatened or

endangered species• Logging regulations,

required permits,licenses

• Reforestation orwildlife food plantings

• Nest boxes andpredator guards

• Other

Additional Information Sectionfrom a Minnesota ForestStewardship PlanFor additional information, please refer to the followingsections of your stewardship plan binder:TAB REFERENCE MATERIALWildlife Managing for ruffed grouse and deer;

Woodlands and nongame wildlifeTrees White spruce, white pineRegeneration Tree planting BMP Booklet Protecting

water quality and wetlands in forestmanagement

Protection Bud capping

Additional Information Section ina North Carolina ForestStewardship PlanAPPENDIX LIST1. North Carolina Trees for North Carolinians (Seedling

Catalog) 1997.2. Working with Wildlife

a) White-tailed Deerb) Wood Duckc) Bobwhite Quaild) Woodland Wildlife Nest Boxese) Low-Cost Habitat Improvementsf) Managing Beaver Pondsg) Herbaceous Plants for Wildlife

3. Woodland Owner Notesa) Thinning Pine Standsb) Understanding Forestry Terms

4. The Layman’s Guide to Private Access RoadConstruction

5. Stewardship Incentives Program Practices PlanningOutlinesa) SIP 8-Wildlife Planting-Cloverb) SIP 8-Wildlife Planting-Orchard Grass and White

Cloverc) SIP 8-Wildlife Planting-Va-70 Lespedeza

this purpose. Rather than duplicate inthe plan the general informationcontained in these materials, simplyappend them to the back of the plan.Include a list of these documents inthe Table of Contents so that thereader knows what is included andorganize the material by topic.

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CO N C L U S I O N

Developing and writing a forest stew-ardship plan with each landownermay be the most important serviceyou can provide for the long-termsustainability of private forests in yourregion. Establishing a relationship oftrust and respect with landowners willcontribute not only to your profes-sional success but also to your person-al fulfillment in your job. Identifyingand articulating clear stewardshipobjectives will help landownersunderstand the array of environmen-tal concerns and their interrelation-

ship, and clear goals will assistlandowners in managing theirproperty into the future. Managementrecommendations that are easy toimplement will contribute further tothe overall success of the plan. Awell-crafted, well-written forest stew-ardship plan will be an encyclopediaof facts and an indispensable guidethat will have a long and lastingimpact on the environment.

Refer to this desk guide before youmeet with landowners and beforesitting down to write the plan. Collectfor ready reference any other Stateand local resources that will help youwrite the plan. Have on handinformation about State and Federalprograms that will also have an inter-est in the plan, and get to know thosepeople who can help you at variousstages of plan development. Finally,be sure to establish contact with thekey people in the USDA ForestService programs who are available to help and guide you through theplanning process. Good luck!

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FO R E S T ST E WA R D S H I P

PH I L O S O P H Y:The purpose of the Forest StewardshipProgram is to assist private forestlandowners to more actively managetheir forest and related resources; to keepthese lands in a productive and healthycondition for present and future owners;and to increase the economic andenvironmental benefits of these lands.

Forest stewardship starts with landown-ers who care about their forest lands.They view their land as a source of familyenjoyment, a chance to leave somethingspecial for future generations, as well as apotential source of income. They mayneed technical advice and financial assis-tance to make their vision for the land areality.

For purposes of this program,nonindustrial private forest (NIPF)acreage includes lands owned by anyprivate individual, group association,corporation, Indian tribe, or other privatelegal entity, such as Alaska Nativecorporations. Further, it includes rurallands with existing tree cover, or suitablefor growing trees.

The Forest Stewardship Program focuseson providing services to landowners notcurrently managing their forest landaccording to a resource management planthat embodies multi resource stewardshipprinciples. Private nonindustrial forestlands that are managed under existingFederal, State, or private sector financialand technical assistance programs areeligible for assistance under the programif forest resource management activitieson such forest lands meet or are expandedor enhanced to meet the requirements of the Forest Stewardship Program.

STAT E FO R E S T ST E WA R D S H I P

CO O R D I N AT I N G CO M M I T T E E :Each State forester must establish a Stateforest Stewardship CoordinationCommittee, administered by the Stateforester or equivalent State official. The committee must include individualsrepresenting the following:• The Forest Service; Natural Resources

Conservation Service; and theCooperative State Research, Education,and Extension Service.

• Local Government.• Soil and water conservation districts.• Consulting foresters.• Environmental organizations.• Forest products industry.• Forest landowners.• Land-trust organizations.• Conservation organizations.• State fish and wildlife agency.• Any other appropriate interests.

Existing State committees may serve asthe State Forest StewardshipCoordinating Committee if their member-ship includes the interests specifiedabove. A State forester may seek anexemption to full representation on theabove. To do so, the State forester mustsubmit a request for exemption inwriting, with a supporting recommenda-tion by the regional forester or AreaDirector to the Director of CooperativeForestry for approval. The request forexemption must include a justification ofwhy a representative of a particularinterest is unable to participate.

The committee must be ongoing toaddress stewardship planning and imple-mentation concerns and overall programcoordination, and not convened on atemporary basis. Normally, committeemembers serve 3-year terms and may be reappointed for consecutive terms.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMNATIONAL STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

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Terms for persons who by virtue of their positions are committee members(e.g., State conservationists, State chair-person of forest landowners association.)would be ongoing during their tenure in the position. Membership may bestaggered to ensure committee continuity.The duties of the committee include thefollowing:• Provide advice and recommendations to

the State Forester concerning imple-mentation of Forest StewardshipProgram, Stewardship IncentiveProgram, and Forest Legacy Program.

• Provide assistance and recommenda-tions concerning development, imple-mentation, monitoring and updating ofthe State Forest Stewardship Plan.

STAT E FO R E S T

ST E WA R D S H I P PL A N:A Statewide Forest Stewardship Plan isrequired. The purpose of the plan is toserve as a dynamic framework for theimplementation of the State ForestStewardship Program and theStewardship Incentive Program. Theplan should be updated as needed toreflect significant modifications inemphasis areas, delivery systems partner-ship, priorities, and other factors affectingprogram implementation over time.• The plan must be action oriented,

multidisciplinary in scope, and con-curred in by a majority of the StateStewardship Coordinating Committeemembers. Such concurrence should bein writing.

• The plan must spell out partnershipswith other agencies and organizations,particularly those that will become partof the delivery system involved inproviding technical assistance.

• The plan as a minimum must addressthe following:• Baseline data on forest resources of

the State.• Conditions that threaten the forest

resources of the State.

• Economics and environmentalopportunities associated withforest resources of the State.

• Management programs, opportuni-ties, and objectives for intermingledFederal, State, and private landownership patterns within the State.

• The need for NIPF lands to be man-aged for all forest resources, includ-ing soil and water, wildlife and fishhabitat, recreation and aesthetics,and timber and other forest products.

The plan may incorporate by referenceother documents that include informa-tion on the above subjects.• The plan must cover a 5-year period

and identify a goal for NIPF acreage tobe placed under forest stewardshipmanagement during the period.

• The plan must set priorities for achiev-ing the goal and objectives identified forthe State for each of the fiscal years.

• The plan must identify its intendeddelivery system to reach qualifiedlandowners, develop a landowner foreststewardship plan, and assist thelandowner in meeting his/her planobjectives. State foresters shouldcooperate with other agencies and theprivate sector in the delivery of thisprogram and should share funding with other agencies, organizations,and/or consultants, to provide technicalassistance to landowners.

LA N D O W N E R RE Q U I R E M E N T S :There must be a recommendation andapproval process for a landowner toqualify for full forest stewardship status.States should develop standards forlandowners to qualify for foreststewardship recognition. Following arethe national standards that must beincorporated into State standards.• The landowner must demonstrate that

he/she is a good steward. This may ormay not require a probationary period.Withdrawing recognition from thelandowner fails to follow the plan orchooses to withdraw from the program.

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• At appropriate intervals, the land-owner’s plan should be reviewed andthe landowner recognition statusreviewed.

• Standards for stewardship recognitionmust be established by States.

• If ownership changes, the new owner isrequired to sign up for a forest steward-ship Plan consistent with the newowner’s objectives or the farm/propertyis withdrawn from recognition status.

LA N D O W N E R F O R E S T

ST E WA R D S H I P PL A N:Landowner voluntary participation in theForest Stewardship Program represents agood faith commitment to implementstrategies suggested in the landownerforest stewardship plan. Private propertyrights cannot, by law, be jeopardizedthrough participation in this program.

Landowner forest stewardship plans mustbe prepared or verified, as meeting theminimum standards of a forest steward-ship plan, by a professional resourcemanager. Plans must identify anddescribe actions to protect, manage,maintain, and enhance relevant resourceslisted in the law (soil, water, range, aes-thetic quality, recreation, timber, water,and fish and wildlife) in a manner com-patible with landowner objectives. Theplan must be approved by the Stateforester or a representative of the Stateforester.

Landowners must be involved in plandevelopment by setting clear objectivesand should understand clearly the com-pleted plan. A well prepared plan will:• Clearly state landowner objectives.• Have a cover page.• Provide for authorship and/or signature

lines within the document.

The plan preparer should consider andevaluate resource elements present andinclude a brief description of those thatare applicable and their importance to the

ownership. Resource elements to beconsidered are:

1. Soil interpretations.2. Water.3. Range.4. Aesthetic quality.5. Recreation.6. Timber.7. Fish.8. Wildlife.9. Forest health.

10. Archeological, cultural, and historical sites.

11. Wetlands.12. Threatened and endangered species.

Management recommendations, orwhere appropriate, alternative strategiesshould be provided for those resourceelements described. Prescriptions ortreatments should be integrated andstand or site specific. An ownership mapdrawn to scale, or photo, to includevegetation cover types, stream and pondlocation, with a legend, will enable thelandowner to implement the plan.Landowners’ understanding may beimproved by including activity summariesand appendices. Appendices mightinclude:• Description of assistance available and

incentive programs.• Educational materials.• A glossary of terms. • An explanation of applicable Federal,

State, and/or county regulatoryprograms, especially as they apply to:• Archeological, cultural, and historical

sites.• Wetlands.• Threatened and endangered species.

These last three items are covered bylegislation other than the CooperativeForestry Assistance Act of 1978, asamended by Title XII of the Food,Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Actof 1990 (16 U.S.C. 2101, et seq.), butmust be considered for federally fundedprograms.

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The professional resource managershould discuss the forest stewardship plan with the landowner, followingcompletion, to assure understanding.

FU N D I N G CO N S I D E R AT I O N S :The State forester in cooperation with the State Forest StewardshipCoordinating Committee shouldperiodically set a maximum dollar limit,per acre and/or plan, for Federal fundingto prepare the basic landowner foreststewardship plans. Intensive and com-plex computations such as allowable cutcalculations, intensive wildlife habitatassessments, boundary surveys, growth,yield and financial analysis, timber salespreparation or marking, and intensivetimber cruises are examples of activitiesthat State Forest StewardshipCoordinating Committees shall excludefrom Federal funding in a basic land-owner forest stewardship plan. Careshould be taken that federally fundedservices provided to the landowner donot adversely impact services provided bynatural resource professionals in theprivate sector.

CO N T I N U I N G ED U C AT I O N

F O R ST E WA R D S H I P :The State Forest Stewardship CoordinatingCommittee will develop a continuingeducation program to provide landownerswith multiresource information. The State forester and committee should workclosely with the Extension Service andothers in pursuing this effort. The continu-ing education program could include:• Landowner tours and demonstrations.• Informational “landowner” brochures

and pamphlets.• Extension bulletins/newsletters.• Access to membership in woodland

owner associations.• Subscriptions to natural resource

publications.• Invitation to technical workshops,

seminars, etc.

FO R E S T ST E WA R D S H I P

RE C O G N I T I O N:Recognition is appropriate for land-owners, and perhaps agency andorganization cooperation, for specialefforts made to accomplish programgoals. The national standards for recogni-tion of qualified forest landowners are aforest stewardship sign and a formalforest stewardship certificate.• Forest Stewardship Signs: The signs are

viewed as an honor award, and provid-ed to landowners only as long as theyare maintaining their qualificationsstandards. Landowners who are with-drawn from recognition status shouldbe required to remove their signs fromtheir property and return them to theState forester. State foresters shoulddevelop a policy on replacement ofsigns. Foresters should work withlandowners to see that signs are properlyplaced and posted to get maximumvisibility. This needs to be balancedwith posting the sign in as safe andsecure an area as possible.

• Forest Stewardship Certificates: ANational Forest Stewardship Certificate,suitable for framing, will be developedfor stewardship qualified NIPFlandowner presentation. It is recom-mended that certificates be signed atthe State forester/Director of NaturalResources or Governor’s level and pre-sented, if possible, at a special occasion,possibly at a local Woodland OwnersAssociation meeting.

• Other Recognition Symbols: Decals andother types of recognition will be leftup to individual State forestry agenciesand Forest Service Area and Regions.Any expertise for other recognitionssymbols will be the sole responsibilityof the States.

STAT E/NAT I O N A L RE C O G N I T I O N:While the focus of the recognition activi-ties is on the individual landowners, Stateforesters in consultation with their StateForest Stewardship Coordinating

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Committee, may choose to develop addi-tional recognition activities within State.Further, recognition activities may bedeveloped at the regional and nationallevel. These options could include thefollowing approaches:• State: States are encouraged to develop

a forest stewardship award of recogni-tion program for individual forestlandowners, groups, organizations, etc.Several top stewardship landownerscould complete for the honor of beingselected for “Stewardship Forest” of theyear, or Forest StewardshipLandowner/Manager of the year.

• Regional: Regional recognition by theNortheastern Area Association of StateForesters, Southern Group of StateForesters, and Council of Western StateForesters should also be considered.

• National: NASF, possibly in conjunc-tion with other national groups, mightrecognize groups and organizations andselect/recognize a National ForestStewardship Landowner.

FO R E S T ST E WA R D S H I P

AC C O M P L I S H M E N T RE P O RT I N G:As a minimum, statistics must be main-tained by the State and reported annuallyfor:• The number of forest stewardship plans

completed. This should translate tolandowners assisted; plans should onlybe reported once.

• Acres included in forest stewardshipplans. This translates to acres underforest stewardship management; acresshould only be reported once.

The collection of such information will be coordinated with the CooperativeForestry Annual Accomplishment Report.

FU N D I N G GU I D E L I N E S

A N D MA N A G E M E N T:The Forest Stewardship Program shouldstrive to fund the delivery of a maximum

amount of “on the ground” informationand technical assistance to individual for-est landowners. Program administrativecost must be kept to a minimum.Administrative costs are defined asindirect costs per the Grants ManagementHandbook.

Additional Guidelines:• Federal funds must be matched by

non-Federal cash, services, or in-kindcontributions.

• The Washington Office will make theinitial funding allocation on a North,South, and West geographic area basis(i.e., Northeastern Area, Region 8, andRegions 1-6 and Region 10 comprisingthe West).

Forest Stewardship Program FundingProcedure:• Remove Washington Office assess-

ments, earmarks, and a base amount of$50,000 per State and $25,000 perTerritory.

• The remaining funds are distributed tothe three geographic areas (North,South, and West) in proportion to thenumber of NIP landowners and thenumber of NIPF forest acres. The twofactors are weighted equally.

• No geographic area may receive lessthat 20 percent of the remaining funds.

• If a geographic area is raised to theminimum 20 percent of remainingfunds, the procedures are adjusted forthe other two geographic areas inproportion to the number of NIPFlandowners, and number of total NIPFforest acres.

• The base amounts and earmarks arethen added back in and the amount offunds distributed within the westerngeographic area is recommended by theWestern Stewardship Committee to theCouncil of Western State Foresters andthe Western Regional Foresters forapproval.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital orfamily status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons withdisabilities who require alternative means for communication of programinformation (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’sTARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of CivilRights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW,Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

FS-733 MAy 2002

United States Department ofAgriculture

Forest Service

ForestStewardshipProgram