MARYLAND FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
What is a Forest Stewardship Plan?

 

A Forest Stewardship Plan is a guide which a property owner can follow to meet long-term conservation objectives for forest land. This written document describes the forest resources present on the property, the landowner's management goals and objectives, and the recommended practices or activities to be carried out over time on the land.

The Forest Stewardship Plan is the entry point to the Maryland Forest Stewardship Program and the means by which landowners become eligible for:

  • Financial assistance under a variety of cost-share programs;
  • Woodland assessment of the property which reduces your property taxes.
  • Subscription to quarterly forest stewardship newsletter from Maryland Cooperative Extension, Branching Out. This keeps you informed of landowners seminars, new publications, other educational information.

The Stewardship Plan considers all aspects of forest resource management. Soils and water quality, wildlife and fish habitat, outdoor recreation, timber and other wood products are among the many factors to be taken into account. It is based on an on-the-ground inventory of the land conducted by the forester, as well as a discussion of objectives and management options with the landowner. The time frame encompassed by the plan is typically a minimum of 10 years.

Working to develop a plan with a state forester or consulting forester or other natural resource professional offers an excellent opportunity for landowners to become better acquainted with their property and its potential. The forester can help answer technical questions, provide specific information about the various resources present, and also help to focus and better define the landowner's objectives for the future.

Eligibility Requirements and the Cost of Preperation are:*

  • Minimum of 5 forested acres. One acre is usually removed for a home so you really need a 6 acres tract as a minimum.
  • Cost for Development of Plan by a State Forester:
    $175 for 5 to 25 acres; $200 for 26 to 75 acres; $225 for more than 75 acres.

In order for a landowner to be eligible to receive financial assistance to implement practices recommended in a forest stewardship plan, certain information must be included. The following is a summary of the current requirements that a state forester will use to develop a forest stewardship plan.

The Components of Forest Stewardship Plan:

  • Description of the landowner's goals for the property and property background/history (if known).
    This lays the foundation for the management recommendations which follow.

  • Description of the property in relationship to the regional landscape.
    Includes descriptions of adjacent land uses, significant nearby resources or features, and other considerations impacting management decisions.

  • Description of each "management unit" or forest stand identified on the property which corresponds to a Management Plan Map.
    A mangagement unit is an area with similar management objectives and a common management prescription, such as an old field, Christmas tree plantation, red maple swamp, or white pine stand. The property is divided into these units which are then located and numbered on a map.

  • The description of each unit includes such information as acreage, cover type, site quality, health and protection issues; as well as information about significant resource features pertaining to the unit such as existing wildlife habitat, wetland, fisheries, or timber resources, recreational uses and opportunities, aesthetic resources, or threatened and endangered species.

  • Stewardship Management Recommendation.
    A description of specific management activities recommended to be undertaken on the property within the next 10 years, including any cost-sharable practices.

    The availability of cost-share programs varies but many of the practices below may be covered: reforestation, forest improvement, soil and water protection and improvement, riparian and wetland protection and improvement, fisheries habitat enhancement, wildlife habitat enhancement, and forest recreation and aesthetics enhancement.

  • Additional Stewardship Considerations
Other imformation that may be helpful to the landowner such as sources of financial assistance, special forest products, and estate planning information.

The finished plan is meant to be used as a working tool for the landowner. It can be changed and updated as conditions warrant. Once the plan is completed and approved, many of the conservation practices it calls for will be eligible for cost-sharing assistance.

It is important to note that landowners can join the Maryland Forest Stewardship Program and develop a Stewardship Plan without taking advantage of the available cost-share funds for management activities.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
about Maryland's Forest Stewardship Program
contact the Project Forester in your county or the State Forest Stewardship Program Coordinator:

Donald VanHassent
Stewardship Program Coordinator
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service
Tawes State Office Building

Annapolis, MD
Tel:
Fax:

E-mail: dvanhassent@md.dnr.state.md.us

* The cost for development of a plan by a state forester has changed to the following rates:

    < 5 acres $100
    5 – 25 acres $200
    26 – 50 acres $225
    51 – 100 acres $250
    101 – 500 acres $275
    > 501 acres $300
If you have less than 10 acres, you will be referred to a private consultant due to manpower constraints.