FORESTRY ASSISTANCE IN MICHIGAN

A Guide to Technical, Educational, and Financial Forestry Assistance
for Michigan's Private Forest Owners.

What to ask, who to ask, and where to find it

Introduction
Keys to Sustainable Woodland Management

Introduction

The purpose of this forestry assistance information to the compiles sources of information and assistance that are often scattered and hard to find. Three major categories addressed are Technical, Financial, and Educational Assistance.

It is often said that help and information are out there, but sometimes just hard to find. This website may ease the process of finding what help is available and who to ask for the assistance. Informed forest management choices begin by asking the right people the right questions and getting the right information.

Information is based on input from numerous individuals and organizations. Every attempt has been made for quality and accuracy, however, it is not necessarily a complete listing and it cannot assume responsibility for the quality of services provided. There most likely are not on this website, that should be. Let Bill Cook know about them.

Forestry assistance is available from a variety of public agencies, corporations, consultants, associations, and others.  Assistance from some providers is free, whereas, others charge a fee for their services.  Names, addresses, and phone numbers are listed throughout this website, and you are encourage to contact these providers for professional assistance.   When making important management decisions, the advice of a forester should always be used.  Foresters may work for loggers, sawmills, industries, their own companies, or public agencies.  A forester is not in the same profession as a logger. A forester has knowledge and experience with the ecology, sociology, and economics of forest resources. A logger sometimes has some of this knowledge, but is largely concerned about the business of timber harvesting and marketing. The key is finding the right person for your needs.

• Educate yourself about your forest and forest management options. Walk your woods with an observant eye. What do you find attractive? How do you envision it in five years? 10? Longer?
• Set goals to accomplish what you want from the forest based on the land’s natural capabilities and your objectives for the future. Prioritize these goals, since it is unreasonable to assume you can reach all your goals in a short time. What is most important to you now?
• Set objectives for the short-term activities that will help you achieve your goal(s). This is a good time to utilize the assistance of a natural resource professional for technical recommendations. A written plan is an excellent tool for translating goals and objectives into an easy-to-follow plan of action.
• Implement your plan. Many activities can be accomplished by you at little or no cost. Other activities will take time, money and may require specific permits. Your plan should also include a timetable for implementing activities. Sometimes there is financial assistance available to landowners for certain projects.
• Enjoy the benefits of your management activities. Take time to enjoy your healthier forest, wildlife and wildflowers, knowing that you are doing your best to insure that future generations will benefit from the healthy forests, clean air and water, timber products and recreational opportunities.

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Michigan SAF Home Page

This website is maintained by Bill Cook, Michigan State University Extension Forest in the Upper Peninsula.  Comments, questions, and suggestions are gratefully accepted. 

Last update of this page was 29 March, 2011

This site is hosted by School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science at Michigan Technological University.