Forestry Research and Outreach

Developing a Forest Stewardship Plan

A forest management plan is a key component of active forest stewardship. A plan:

  • Outlines and prioritizes what you need to do in the short and long-term to accomplish your management goals
  • Is used when applying for cost-share funding or bank loans
  • Supports timber harvest plans
  • Communicate your vision to the next generation/ owners of your property
  • Is simple or complex depending on each landowners intent

Every landowners management goals and objectives will be specific to their forest and what they want it to be. Goals can:

  • Be ecological, aesthetic, and/or utilitarian focused
  • Address current and/or future needs
  • Change over time

We have developed a number of educational tools and workshops to help landowners develop a plan that meets their individual goals.

At the workshop you will:

  • Learn the value of developing a forest management plan for your property
  • Determine the objectives that are possible for forest land management
  • Learn about forest ecology and forest management for your area
  • Learn about the importance of working with Registered Professional Foresters
  • Find out about state and federal programs to help defer the cost of developing management plans.

Other Resources:

Forest Stewardship Series 18 - Stewardship Objectives and Planning

Forest Management Plans for Private Forest Landowners: Why You Need One! Forest Factsheet

California Cooperative Forest Management Plan