Green Horizons

Missouri’s 359,000 private landowners manage 83 percent of the woodlands in Missouri. This management takes on many forms; from letting woodlands grow naturally to thinning trees for improved growth and better conditions for desired wildlife.

Although there are a number of forestry organizations in Missouri, a citizen advocacy group for forestry issues did not exist. Many issues are on the horizon like bioenergy and water quality, but no statewide spokes group, especially in areas of legislation, represented forest landowners. The Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri (FWAM) will strive to be that organization.

Field days will also be a focus for the Association. In conjunction with organizations like The Missouri Tree Farm Program, and University of Missouri Forestry Extension, landowners will have access to field days on woodland management for wildlife and timber production. Speaking of the Missouri Tree Farm Program, the Association will be the home of the program. One advantage that landowners interested in managing their woods under the guidelines of the Tree Farm program will have is access to emerging markets for green certified wood products.

The Association is in its infancy, but is working hard to develop resources for landowners to reach their woodland goals. One such resource will be a website to connect landowners with resource managers and information that impacts their forests. The site is under development and we hope to announce the completion and address in the next Green Horizons newsletter.

To get the Association off on the right foot, the Missouri Department of Conservation, American Tree Farm System, Missouri Tree Farm Program and the Missouri Forest Products Association have committed financial resources for the first three years. Ultimately the organization will be member-driven, and members can expect to be alerted about hot issues. If a bill is going to the legislature that impacts forests, members will receive notices of who they can contact to share their views.

“It’s all about growing a healthy, productive forest” says Brian Schweiss, Forestry Field Program Supervisor with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Schweiss says connecting landowners with resources they can use to manage their forests is a daunting task, but one the Association is committed to making easier.