Forest management plans are essential for land conservation, providing clear guidelines for reaching your goals and ensuring the health of the property. However, without knowing what goes into these documents, determining where to start can be a challenge. Simplify the process by reviewing these basic elements of a comprehensive plan. 

A Brief Overview of Forest Management Plans

1. Goals

The first part of the document should include a brief statement by the landowner about how they wish to use the property. Short-term goals should feature as much detail as possible, such as site preparation timelines, tree thinning schedules, and regeneration methods.

Long-term goals are more general, presenting a basic review of what you hope to achieve in a set number of years. Whether you wish to preserve the land’s wildlife or prepare the property for public use, your objective should be clearly outlined at the beginning of the document.

2. Location

You’ll need to produce a map that reveals the location of the property as well as any access points from main roads. This can be achieved with computer drawing software or by taking aerial photographs.

Mark the boundaries and include elevation measurements to ensure a clear understanding of the layout. A comprehensive land survey is often necessary for locating the property’s significant features.

3. Maintenance

Every landowner should have a plan in place to preserve the health of the property. Whether it’s indicating access roads for fire protection or setting timelines for insect and disease inspections, getting these details down on paper will prevent these issues from getting out of hand. 

4. Description

Knowing what each section of the property contains will ensure the proper level of care. From soil types to timber volumes, having the data on hand will improve the planning process and make it easier to calculate future treatments. Other pieces of information that you might want to include are tree species, average height, and the general health of the land.

If you’re interested in creating a forest management plan, reach out to Neeley Forestry Service in Camden, AR. With over 45 years in the business, these professionals manage more than 200,000 acres for 400 clients in Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. Their forest technicians are fully registered and provide timberland appraisals to help you prepare for the future. Call (870) 836-5981 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website for a complete list of services.