What is a Forest Management Plan?

Your trees and land will serve your needs and interests best if it is managed according to a clear plan. A forest or natural resource management plan is a specific statement of the objectives you have for your land, followed by a series of activities that will take place in order to meet those objectives. In essence, your plan is a "road map" to guide you from where you are to where you want to be.

A management plan does not have to be a complicated document. It may vary from a simple description for timber management of one or more plantations to a very detailed multiple resource plan for participation in programs such as Forest Stewardship and/or Tree Farm.  No matter what the purpose or program, it is important that your plan include the following information:

  1. Your objectives
  2. Property location and history
  3. Resource assessment
  4. Management recommendations
  5. Activity schedule
  6. Supplemental information

OFS Foresters will examine forest land and potential forest land at your request. A written plan, which includes maps of the property, will be prepared for you giving sound scientific forest management recommendations that best meet your needs and objectives.