Forestry & Woodland Conservation
Woodlands are worth more than meets the eye.
Forests are a proven resource and a strong value to Minnesota's economy. We've learned how to manage sustainable harvests, and how to ensure our forest legacy is maintained for generations to come. However, to focus only on the economic value of timber would be like the old saying goes... “Not seeing the forest for the trees!”
We know that woodlands are a primary contributor to many of Minnesota’s other industries, in ways people never imagined. Furthermore, the water quality in our rivers and lakes is directly connected to the health of our woodlands. Forested lands act as a giant sponge, filtering and absorbing storm water runoff. The water that does leave the forest is very clean, with few pollutants.
Proper forest management not only benefits the landowner, but stacks benefits for their neighbors, the region, and the watershed. For example a healthy forest will prevent soil erosion, provide habitat, provide income, contribute to water quality, improve air quality, and add to the beauty of the region. This positive chain reaction is what we call “stacking” or compounding benefits for all.
A Forest Stewardship Plan
Forest Stewardship Plans
Private forested lands are part of a larger landscape called a watershed. The choices woodland property owners make have an impact on the health and beauty of the region. Forested property owners have the ability to help restore natural balance to their watershed through well funded woodland management programs.
Most of the volunteer forest management programs allow landowners to harvest timber from their property!
Clearwater SWCD can help with a host of forest management projects. But it starts by writing a certified Forest Stewardship Plan. The Forest Stewardship Program helps woodland landowners create and use voluntary management plans for their property. A forest stewardship plan describes your personal goals, unique forest resources, and suggested management activities to ensure long-term economic, ecological, and social benefits.
A Forest Stewardship plan could grant you access to cost-share funds and tax-relief incentives! See below for more details...
FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Improve and protect your woods with a MN DNR approved Forest Stewardship plan
Whether you prefer to create habitat for specific wildlife, harvest timber or simply want to improve the quality and beauty of the woods in your backyard, a forest stewardship plan helps you achieve your goals step by step.
We may be able to help with our Cost Assistance Program!
Clearwater SWCD can provide a financial reimbursement to landowners for a Forest Stewardship Plan written on their property. Depending on which priority zone your parcel is located in you may be eligible to receive a 75% reimbursement of the cost of having a new Forest Stewardship Plan written.
Program Guidelines:
- Landowner must own a minimum of 20 acres within Clearwater County with at least 50% of the property forested or to become forested
- Plan must be written by a DNR Certified Plan Writer
- Plan must be written with management goals benefiting water quality
- Plan must be registered with the MN DNR at the landowners expense
- Reimbursement is capped at 160 acres
- Plan writing may NOT be in progress prior to applying for Clearwater SWCD's cost assistance program
- To remain eligible for reimbursement, landowner may not receive any other cost assistance for plan writing
How does this work?
- Contact us so we may start the application process. We'll explain the program to you and have you sign our contract
- Contact a MN DNR Cooperative Forest Management Plan Writer to start the plan writing process
- After the plan is completed the Plan Writer will send us a copy of a paid invoice
- The SWCD will reimburse you for 75% of the invoice after board approval
As always, please give us a call if you have any questions!
Serving all types of landowners
