Introduction
Many programs exist to help private landowners with their forest management decisions, but finding the right mix of approaches and plans can seem daunting. We’ve assembled a list of helpful resources here to help you begin your stewardship planning.
Working with a Service Forester
When you are considering putting together a forest stewardship plan, one of the best first steps is to connect with a state Service Forester. A Service Forester can help you understand both the opportunities throughout your forested landscape, as well as help you navigate the breadth of incentives, programs, and information that will guide your planning and decision-making processes.
Exploring Forest Carbon Markets
Increasingly, private landowners are considering their forests as a piece to the climate change puzzle. Information around forest carbon and carbon markets is evolving quickly, and the Securing Northeast Forest Carbon Program, and many other initiatives, help keep pace with information, programs, and opportunities to participate in carbon markets.
- Learn the basics of the carbon cycle and forest carbon
- Learn about carbon markets and programs
- Explore programs that can help you manage your forest as a climate solution
Managing Forests for Climate and Carbon
As climate and weather patterns change, managing forests to ensure adaptation and mitigation will be critical to ensuring their long-term health and maintaining ecosystem function. The Climate Forestry Program from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) can help with a variety of resources.
- Learn about setting goals to help inform a 10-year stewardship plan
- Learn more about how to manage forests for carbon
- Find out about adapting your forest to changing conditions
- Read about the forest management practices that can help with climate adaptation and resilience.
- Connect with a forester who is trained in forest climate resilience and carbon storage
Managing Forests for Bird Life
The Commonwealth’s Department of Conservation and Recreation and MassAudubon work cooperatively to manage a Bird Habitat Assessment Program that provides funding assistance for landowners; this entails working with a consulting forester or another qualified professional to evaluate existing and potential habitat for a selection of birds.
- Learn how to manage forests for birds in Massachusetts
- Find a bird-certified forester
- Visit some local properties being managed for bird habitat
MassWoods
The MassWoods program is administered by the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and includes a rich list of resources for landowners just starting on their stewardship journey.
- Find a local professional or consultant to help you get your questions answered.
- Calculate your potential tax benefit for keeping your woodlands actively managed and wild
- Learn about different approaches for caring for you woodlands
- Plan for your land’s future and learn how the estate planning process can work towards this goal
Forest Stewardship Funding
No matter what goals you might have for your forest, there are a number of programs that can provide financial support and assistance.