eight easy ways to do right by my land

Ten Easy Ways to do Right by My Land

Eight Easy Ways to do Right by My LandYour NameTitleContact infoUse this opportunity to introduce yourself to the audience. Describe what you do, your experience working with woodland owners. Share a bit of your story, why you are a forester, your love for the land, etc.

[Consider inserting a photo in the right side]2AgendaWhy do I need to do anything?Eight Easy Things to doWhere I can go for helpThis presentation is designed to cover the question:Why do I need to do anything on my land?As well as eight easy ways to do right by my landAnd finally where you can go for help

3Why do I need to do anything?

You love your land and want to maintain what you love: wildlife, recreational opportunities, the beauty and solitude. But there are a lot of threats out there that can negatively impact your land. These include:TrespassersInvasives species and Pests (INCLUDE some discussion of local pests/invasives)Natural disasters (INCLUDE some discussion of local natural disasters: Ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, drought, wildfire, etc.)

If you chose to do nothing, you risk losing the things you love most about your land.

41. Protect your Property from TrespassersRegularly walk your propertyMark your boundariesControl accessMeet your neighborsDont be afraid to ask for help

First thing to do is regularly walk your property boundaries. Dont know where they are, consider getting a surveyor so you can be sure. Then mark your boundaries. Get a well marked gate at all entries to your property to control access. If you arent on your property that often, then the best thing you can do is get to know your neighbors. They can help keep an eye on your land, let you know if they see anything unusual.

Sound like too much? Dont be afraid to ask for help. Foresters are available and can help with these steps. Some will even regularly visit your property to make sure everything is ok. 52. Protect Wildlife Habitat

Plan management activities carefullyLeave deadwood and brush pilesPlant food treesCreate good edge habitatsProvide sources of water

Plan management activities by season. Forest management activities will impact wildlife, but you can minimize that impact by trimming and cutting trees outside of the breeding season for bird for example. By giving breeding birds a chance to hatch, rear and fledge their young, you will give them a better chance for breeding success and encourage them to consider your woods a safe place to live.

Leave deadwood and brush piles. In a natural forest, nobody is out clearing the old trees and shrubs. Because of this, many critters have grown to rely on deadwood. An average of 40 species in a given forest use dead trees and logs for perches and cover, as well as an important source of bugs and other food source. So if you can, let it lie. Note: If you are concerned about the safety of leaving snags on your land, consult a forester about the best way to retain deadwood.

Plant food trees. Berry, seed and nut trees are very important for wildlife. Native plant species like serviceberry, black cherry, beech and oak are particularly wildlife friendly because they provide fruit and seeds, support bug, spider and insect communities. Fruit and nut trees will thrive with some care, and the healthier they are, the more resources they provide for wildlife.

Minimize the negative impacts of edge habitat and accentuate the positive. Edge habitat is where a forest transitions into a field and it can be a very productive area with many diverse species of birds and other species. But it can be dangerous for some birds, particularly if the change is abrupt. Predators like domesticated cats, non-native birds and raccoons have an advantage when the forest opens abruptly. You can minimize negative impacts of abrupt edge habitat by maintaining a circular or square-shaped forest. Where edges exist, make a transition zone by planting trees sparsely on the forest edge and encouraging the growth of thickets of fruit-bearing native shrubs. You can also cut trees selectively to soften the edge and encourage the growth of thickets. Consider adding nest boxes at your softened forest edge to encourage birds like bluebirds and screech owls to inhabit the enhanced edge.

WaterFrom ponds, creeks, river and springs.

63. Protect your Special SitesGet to know your woodsKeep track of your treasuresGet connectedWhen planning, reconsidered standard practices

Photos: Arrowhead- Billy Humphries, Forest Resource Consultants, Inc., Bugwood.org; geological site - Kenneth M. Gale, Bugwood.org

What are special sites?A special site is any noteworthy or meaningful place in your woods: the ruins of an old homestead, a painted cave wall, or even a treasured spot your family returns to year after year. Its a place of personal, historical, archeological, cultural, geological, biological or ecological significance. Personal sites can be designated for sentimental reasons. It can be a pretty piece of your woods that your parents or grandparents cherished, or one you and your family hold dearany place you want to keep just the way it is. Historical and archaeological sites offer a tangible connection to history. They may be the site of an historical eventa Civil War battlefield, for exampleor contain artifacts from the past, such as tools, weapons or remnants of old buildings or roads. Cultural sites can include historical or archaeological elements, but are also important from a cultural, social or religious perspective. American Indian ceremonial or burial sites, traditional villages, or fishing and hunting grounds can all be valuable cultural resources. So can scatters of broken pottery, arrowheads, shells and bone. Some of these cultural resources are thousands of years old and are protected by law. Geological, biological and ecological sites have rare or valuable natural features. An outcropping of a rare mineral or rock or an unusual biological community, such as a stand of rare trees or a pitcher plant bog, have special ecological value and warrant extra care.

Get to know your woods. Finding your lands hidden treasures is a key first step in saving them. Take time to roam through your woods and identify the intriguing plant communities, old structures or possible artifacts, and unusual features you discover.2. Keep track of your treasures. Once youve found your special sites, make sure to flag them, both on the ground and in your property map. A GPS unit can be especially helpful when youre doing this. Use it to record the exact locations of your special sites. Pair that information with photographs, notes, or any other information that helps you track your special sites. 3. Get connected. Once youve identified and recorded your special sites, you may need to reach out to your community for help in properly preserving them. Your state department of natural resources or NRCS office, local historical and archaeological societies and local tribal governments can get you up to speed on what youve got and how you can best protect it. 4. When planning, reconsider standard practices. Your findings and the federal, state or local guidelines for protecting special sites should become part of your woodland management plan. Aim to minimize damage and disturbance to the site by creating a vegetation buffer, fencing the area or otherwise distinguishing it from surrounding areas. Try to control for erosion and disturb the soil there as little as possible. This also means doing things a little differently at harvest time. Make sure to review your special sites map and protection plan with your timber buyers, loggers, foresters, and any other professionals assisting you with forest management activities. After harvests and other activities, follow up to make sure your special sites were properly protected. All it takes to protect your special places is a little pro-active planning. Your extra effort is time well-spentits an investment in your legacy and a gift to future generations.74. Protect Your WaterbodiesCreate Riparian BuffersMaintain your roadsImplement your states Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs)

1. Create Riparian BuffersRiparian Buffers are fringes of grass, shrubs and trees along stream banks are one the best ways to protect a water source. Buffers improve water quality by filtering sediment and pollutants from soil runoff and providing shade to keep water cool. They combat erosion by stabilizing banks and regulating stream flow, and they offer a unique habitat to numerous plant and wildlife species. They also benefit landowners directly by improving the aesthetic and recreational value of a property. 2. Maintain your roadsRoads and even trails can be a source for soil erosion that can negatively impact your waterbodies. You can work with your Forester to ensure that current roads and trails are not causing soil erosion and plan future road/trails to minimize 3. Implement your states Forestry Best Management Practices. Again a forester is well versed in your states BMPs and can walk your property with you to discuss which BMPs are relevant where. Your foresters can work with you to implement the BMPs as well.85. Protecting your woods from natural disasters: harmful and exotic pests

Photo: US Forest ServiceKeep your woods healthyMaintain a diverse woodsDont move firewoodUse Pesticides appropriately

***FOR THESE SLIDES: Select the appropriate natural disasters for your area and delete the rest***

Keep your woods healthyThe best way to prevent disease and insect outbreaks is to keep your trees healthy. Just like people, trees can be stressed, which can make them more vulnerable to insects and disease. For example, when trees are attacked, sometimes they can push out pests by moving large volumes of sap through their branchesbut not if theyre too crowded or arent getting enough water. Like people, if they arent healthy, they cant fight off minor infections.Maintain a diverse woodsOnce a tree is attacked, insects and pathogens can spread to neighbors. Many pests only attack a single species, so its useful to have a mix of trees in your woods. Also, keeping trees farther apart helps them stay healthy by getting the light, water, and soil nutrients they needalthough it can also help weeds grow on the forest floor. An expert can help you figure out the best way to keep the trees in your woods happy and healthy.Don't move firewoodDont move firewood long distances. Tree-killing pests hitch rides on wood, even wood that looks fine. A pest could be lurkingall it takes is a couple of insect eggs or microscopic fungal spores. As a rule of thumb, try to get firewood from less than 10 miles away. Some states have laws against moving firewood long distances.Use Pesticides AppropriatelyPesticides are part of managing pests to cause diseases. Use them correctly to avoid disrupting natural insect communities. Insect predators and parasitesthe good bugs you want in your woodsthrive when they have a lot of insects to choose from.

95. Protecting your woods from natural disasters: harmful and exotic pests

Photo: US Forest ServiceMonitor for pests and signs of diseaseIf you suspect something, collect samplesContact a professional


Monitor for pests and signs of disease every month or two during the growing season. Take a walk in the woods and check trees on the trunk, limbs, twigs, under peeling bark, and leavesthe most likely places to find injuries. You dont have to check every single tree. Keep your eye open for things that look out of the ordinary.

Collecting samples of tree damage and any associated pests is important in accurately identifying the problem, which may have more than one cause. Take pictures and notes on your trees symptoms.

talk to local forest experts for help in identifying the causes.

105. Protecting your woods from natural disasters: Tornadoes and Hurricanes

Plant the right treesPlant in the right placeManage the structure of your woods


Tornadoes and Hurricanes

The right tree. Some tree species are more resistant to high winds, disease and damage than others. Planting these specieswhich include longleaf pines, baldcypress, and live oakwill give your woods a better chance of surviving a tornado strike.

Cultivate tree species that are more resistant to hurricane damage. For example, researchers have found that in Gulf coastal forests longleaf pines (Pinus palustris) are less susceptible to damage including high winds and southern pine beetle infestation --than loblolly (Pinus taeda) or slash pines (Pinus elliottii). Other native species, including bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) and live oak (Quercus virginiana) are also relatively well adapted to high winds, and tend to resist breakage.Longleaf pine is an interesting case study. It once covered more than 90 million acres of land in the southeast, but today the longleafs range has fallen to fewer than three percent of its original extent. It has largely been replaced by the faster-growing loblolly pine. Re-establishing this once dominant species is part of a long-term preventative strategy to limit storm damage to southeastern forests. It is also the centerpiece of a climate change adaptation plan in the region. Resources to support longleaf restoration may be available to you, so contact your local forest service.

The right place and Manage the structure of your woodsControlling the spacing of your trees and their structuremeaning a mix of ages and sizeswill help your woods weather tornadoes and other high-wind conditions. A professional forester can advise you on harvesting and thinning your forest to optimize stand structure.

115. Protecting your woods from natural disasters: DroughtSelect drought and disease resistant speciesThin your woodsControl non-native and invasive plantsMonitor and control invasive insects


Drought

Select drought- and disease-resistant species. These are often native species that have evolved in tandem with the local environment. Consider deciduous plants, which generally require less water than conifers. And carefully choose where to plant for the species youve selected.

ThinningOvercrowded forests are more susceptible to water stress, so reduce the density of your forest so that the remaining trees have an adequate water supply.

Control non-native and invasive plantsNon-native plants can upset the delicate ecological balance in a forest, making it more susceptible to drought. And weedy plants compete for water resources with trees, and increase the risk of wildfire.

Monitor and control invasive insectsWhen trees are under stress, they become easy targets for insect pests. So monitor your forest for signs of stress and infestation, and take measures to control insects if they appear.

125. Protecting your woods from natural disasters: WildfireKeep it thinFight fire with fires


Wildfire

Keep it thin. Thinning your woods keeps your trees healthier and reduces the fuel available for fire. You can do this on your own, by removing forest litter and clearing trees so they are 15-20 feet apart, or you can work with a commercial partner who harvests smaller trees for biomass or other products.

Fight fire with fire. Prescribed burnsfires ignited by a professional in a controlled settingcan also clear excess fuel and lower your risk of a high-intensity fire. But they must be done correctly, so make sure to contact a professional for training, assistance and any necessary permits before trying a burn on your own.

135. Protecting your woods from natural disasters: Ice Storms

Plant the right treesPlant in the right placeManage the structure of your woods


Ice Storms

The right tree. More brittle trees are more likely to break when an ice storm weighs down their branches. These brittle species include elm, poplar and willow. Avoid planting these trees in areas where ice storms are common and breakage is likely to happen, especially in locations where a broken branch could endanger your life or your property.

The right place and Manage the structure of your woodsControlling the spacing of your trees and their structurethrough thinning, pruning and planting a mix of tree species and ageswill keep your stands healthier, which will make them more likely to survive an ice storm.

145. Protecting your woods from natural disasters: FloodsPlant the right treesPlant in the right placeManage the structure of your woods


FloodsThe right tree. More brittle trees are more likely to break when an ice storm weighs down their branches. These brittle species include elm, poplar and willow. Avoid planting these trees in areas where ice storms are common and breakage is likely to happen, especially in locations where a broken branch could endanger your life or your property.

The right place and Manage the structure of your woodsControlling the spacing of your trees and their structuremeaning a mix of ages and sizeswill keep your stands healthier, which will make them more resilient when floodwaters rise.

156. Call before you CutKnow your objectivesInventory your woodsKeep your woods healthySelect the trees you cut carefullyProtect your interestsComply with federal/state and local laws

Considering a Harvest? Then make sure you contact a professional forester before cutting any trees. A forester will work with you to ensure that your objectives and goals for your property are maintained.

1. Know Your ObjectivesDetermine what you want your woodlands to provide. Is it wildlife, recreation, timber, or even a park-like setting? Maybe some of each? Depending on your goals, different trees may need to be harvested. A forester is trained to select the right trees for your intended goals. For example, if producing income and developing good habitat for wildlifeare primary goals, a forester can design a harvest that will both promote the growth of higher value trees and improve habitat which benefitsdesired wildlife species.

2. Inventory Your WoodsHaving an inventory of your woods is like having an appraisal of your home's value. It's importantfor you to know the species composition, health condition, income potential and habitiat features of your woodland.

3. Keep Your Woods HealthyTaking note of what you want your woods to look like, and the benefits it will provide now and in the future, provides a road map towards a healthier woodlot. A plan designed and carried out by a knowledgeable forester working with a logger will help assure that the harvest meets your needs as a landowner. Putting together a successful plan takes time to ensure your forested property remains in a condition that will allow it to grow back healthy and provide value into the future. Planting more trees, removing invasive species, releasing desirable trees, improving conditions for oak regeneration or conducting a harvest are just a few of the activities that might make up such a plan.

4. Select Trees CarefullyWhen a tree should be cut depends on many things, such as its age and maturity, its contribution to your woods' health, the market price of different timbers, and your own goals and needs. Make sure that you mark and scale trees based on all these things and not just the current value of the tree. There is no "Kelly Blue Book" or "Market to Market" report to look-up the value of a tree. Working with a professional forester will help you improve thegrowth of the residual stand, increase regeneration of desirable species and ensure the interests that are most important to you for your woodland are protected for the long run.

5. Protect Your InterestsMarket your timber properly to ensure you receive a fair value and oversee the implementation of your harvest carefully so your land is not damaged. You only get a chance to sell the trees on your propertya limited number of times during your lifetime, that is why it is important to seek advice from those trained in the field of forestry.Accepting an offer for yourtreeswith no prior planning and without consulting with a professional forester may result in a lower sum received for thosetrees and the condition of the remaining woods may adversely affect the futureincome, quality andhabitatof your woodland.From www.callb4ucut.com

6. Comply with federal/ state and local lawsThere are potentially many regulations that relate to harvesting of trees on your property. A good forester knows these laws and regulations and can ensure that loggers and other contractors comply with them. 167. Plan for the Legacy of your WoodsBuild your families connection to your woodsStart to plan for the future of you landShare that plan with your familyFind the right professionals to help youConsider trusts and conservation easements

Build your families connection to your woodsFind ways to get your family out in the woods. Plan family hikes, establish some special sites for your family (A tree planted for a special occasion; campsite for family reunions, etc.)Start to plan for the future of you land: Think about what you want to happen to your land when you are gone. Start taking steps to ensure that happens. Share that plan with your familyTalk to your family about what you would like to see happen. Discuss what their goals would be for the property. Are there was you can start to integrate their goals into the current management of the property?Find the right professionals to help you. Consider finding an estate planner to help you, particularly around issues of estate tax. Consider trusts and conservation easementsConservation easements can be a great tool to ensure that your property remains forested in the future, protecting it from future development.

178. Work with a Professional

Step 10, working with a professional, is probably the easiest thing you can do. Finding a forester that you trust and enjoy working with can be the easiest way to ensure that you are doing right by your land. Your foresters can help you achieve all of the afore mention steps. Your forester has undergone extension training and has experience working in local foresters.

When choosing your foresters consider:choose someone that listens to you, understands what you need, and with whom you can build a good working relationshipSecond, it is important to check on a forester's qualificationsenquire after the consultant's educational qualificationsIf choosing a consulting foresters, check if the consulting forester is a member of a professional association (SAF, ACF, Professional Forest Guild)If the Consulting Forester will be implementing a project in your woods, ensure that they and their contractor has the necessary insurance. Ask for references

18Where to go for help?A consulting foresterLocal state forestry agencyExtension forestrywww.mylandplan.org ***ADJUST this text as appropriate to reflect your state***

Foresters:A forester is trained in forestrythe art and science of managing forests sustainably. In the past, sustainable forest management primarily meant managing forests as a sustainable natural resource by harvesting trees judiciously and strategically to maintain forest health. Now, however, foresters are trained to manage woods for a variety of purposes, including recreation, aesthetics, biodiversity, and conservation.

A consulting forester is an independent professional who works under contract to help woodland owners manage their woods. You can hire a consulting forester to work on a specific project (such as thinning a stand or managing a timber sale), or you can hire him/her to provide ongoing management services. Consulting foresters provide a more comprehensive suite of services than state service foresters, and often have a network of loggers and other service providers to implement forestry projects.

Many state forestry agencies have service foresters that work with landowners to improve forestry on the ground. Service foresters are assigned specific counties and tend to have a good sense of local conditions, and the threats and opportunities they present. Service foresters can also help you access government grant and cost-share programs. In many states, service foresters do free walk-throughs with woodland owners and offer advice for health maintenance and woodland improvement. In some states, service foresters can also write management plans. Some states do charge fees for their services.

Extension foresters are employed by local college/university extension services and their role is primarily educational. They create materials and give public talks about specific forestry issues but rarely offer individual advice or services to woodland owners.

MyLandPlan is a resource for woodland owners, by woodland owners to help you protect and enjoy your woods and is provided to you by the American Forest Foundation (AFF). How it works: It all depends on what you need as a woodland owner. Theres lots of places to go on the site to get helpful information, or you might want to start right away with the planning tool to map your land and set your goals for your property. Were here to help no matter what you choose to do. The exclusive Land Plan tool gives you all kinds of easy ways to get more involved with keeping your woods healthy now and for the future. After you create a profile, you will have access to the Land Plan tool, an exclusive area of the website. The planning tool lets you:Map the boundaries of your landAdd features and special sites like trails, special trees and other favorite spotsSet goals and plan actions to protect and care for your landReceive information specially tailored for what you want to do on your landRecord your actions and experiences in your own personalized forest journal. Share them with others if you want.

***ADD others as relevant in your state****

19Questions?Thank youInclude your contact information

We went over the eight easy things that you can do to do right by your land. Because in order to remain healthy, you need to care for your woods. These steps will help you protect your land from threats whether they be pests, disease, natural disasters or trespassers; protect what you love about your land, that favorite place for you and your family, the wildlife, and ensure that your legacy continues to grow.

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