Management Plans
If you own property that is forested and want to ensure that it stays healthy in the present and sustainable for the future, then a management plan is a must-have. Forests are constantly changing and evolving, and trying to keep up with that can be extremely difficult if no management structure is in place. This is where a thoroughly written plan makes its mark. By having one, you are given a roadmap that empowers you to make informed decisions that balance forest health, economic gain, and personal enjoyment of your land.
By working with me, I can write a management plan that is specific to your property, goals, and objectives. Plans can be centered around a single goal or multiple ones, such as:
Sustainable Timber Harvesting – Carefully planning when and how to harvest trees and maximizing their timber without over-harvesting, which could gradually degrade the land
Wildlife Habitat Management – Strategies for managing wildlife habitats, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring that different species of plants and animals thrive
Improved Forest Health – Identifying and addressing potential threats to forest health, such as invasive species, diseases, or pests. Taking preventive measures can ensure a forest remains healthy and productive for years to come
Aesthetic and Recreational Value – Enhance the aesthetic value of the land by improving views and recreational access, such as trails for hiking, hunting, or birdwatching, which can improve enjoyment of a property
In addition to personal goals, management plans can also have financial benefits. Well-managed forests tend to increase the overall value of the property, as potential buyers are often more attracted to those with an established plan for sustainable management and like knowing that the land is being cared for properly. There is also the potential for property tax incentives or reductions through programs like Pennsylvania’s Clean and Green Program (Act 319), which can significantly lower tax burdens.
Invasive Species Management
Unfortunately, invasive vegetation has been causing damage and degradation to many of Pennsylvania’s forests for decades now. In fact, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has identified around 140 species alone which fall into this category. Examples include Japanese stiltgrass, barberry, and knotweed, multiflora rose, autumn olive, bush honeysuckle, burning bush, and garlic mustard. If left unchecked, these plants can out-compete native trees and vegetation for resources and form dense thickets of “green deserts” where only a few species survive, ultimately leading to a decrease in biodiversity and forest health. I provide services which would alleviate these issues in the form of mechanical removal by using chainsaws and other equipment. I also have the ability to map your property to find out where infestations may be present in order to monitor vegetation densities and alleviate further spreading.
*** I am currently in the process of attaining a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator’s License. Once this has been gained, I will be able to offer herbicide spraying services for invasive plants. ***
Property Boundary Management
Knowing where your property lines are located is critical for properly managing a forest. This helps avoid encroaching on neighboring properties during harvests, which could lead to legal disputes, fines, or conflicts with adjacent landowners. It can also deter trespassers from committing timber theft on your property. I can assist you with locating your boundaries and marking them with ribbon or tape to ensure they are plain to see.
Forest Mapping Services
The evolution of technology over the years has made a great impact on the forestry industry. One of these is through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), which have greatly improved the way we manage and monitor forests. Whether it be through locating property boundaries, mapping forest stands and harvest boundaries, pest and disease detection, locating wetlands and other areas of interest, or improving overall transparency, the use of accurate and detailed mapping is a critical tool for forest management practices. I have the ability to create multiple types of maps, such as imagery, topographical, soil, forest stand delineation, as well as many others.