Forest Conservation

In February, WMSWCD hired Michael Ahr as its Forest Conservationist.  He is now available to answer questions and help with the management of your woodlands.  Michael can assist woodland owners with invasive weed control, wildlife habitat enhancement, forest health projects and many other issues.  He encourages everyone to consider one project right away - Develop a Stewardship Plan for your land.

A Stewardship Plan is a great way to plan the future of your property and to get to know the land a bit better.  A few things a Stewardship Plan will include:

• Landowner objectives: You may be interested in improving songbird habitat, reducing wildfire risk, or harvesting wood or other non-timber products like floral greens or mushrooms. Whatever your goals, it is great to write them down on paper.
• Inventory: Michael can help you determine the type and quantity of tree and shrub species on your property. A good inventory also documents features like streams or springs as well as patches of tree disease or animal damage.
• 10-year timeline: Once you've identified your objectives and know a bit more about what's on your property and the opportunities present, you will formulate a 10-year timeline of when you might complete certain activities like removing some small trees from a crowded patch of forest to improve the health, or planting diverse flowering shrubs to encourage pollinators.

In the Pacific Northwest, landowners typically embrace the process of writing a Stewardship Plan.  After it's done, landowners feel much more comfortable making decisions about the land.  It's not a daunting task; many of these plans are fairly simple and can be done quickly no matter how many hours a week your work!

So, what are some other reasons to complete a Stewardship Plan?

• The plan will help you qualify for funds for your projects
• It can be used to qualify for forest tax deferral
• Having a plan may help you work cooperatively with neighbors who also have plans
• Several forest certification programs require a landowner to have a plan
• Landowners who have a Stewardship Plan tend to have healthy, beautiful forest land that benefits their family, water quality, and wildlife.

If you are thinking of doing some work in your woodland in the coming years, a Stewardship Plan is a great way to start.  Completing the plan is only the beginning as we can find several ways to help you with technical and financial assistance to complete your planned activities. Contact Michael at (503) 238-4775, ext. 109 or michael@wmswcd.org with any questions you have when you're out in the woods.