Green Horizons
Volume 19, Number 1Winter 2015
Forestry assistance for landowners
By Brian Schweiss | MDC Private Land Forestry Programs
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At some point, every forest landowner can benefit from the services of a professional forester, which are available from the Missouri Department of Conservation to assist with a variety of landowner needs, including advice on hunting land, timber land and urban trees. Approximately 48 Department of Conservation foresters are scattered about with assignments to work with landowners in designated counties. In addition, there are another 48 Private Land Conservationists whose job duties are to assist landowners with forest, fish, and wildlife management needs. The easiest way to find a forester is to visit the MDC website (www.mdc.mo.gov). On the right side of the page is the "Local Contact" page, or you can contact a regional office. The primary role of MDC Foresters on sales and other assistance is to ensure the long-term health of the forest resource. Foresters can assist with sales that take into account the needs of wildlife, revenue for the landowner, and long-term productivity of the resource. The assistance is free but landowners must agree to manage their woods to maintain a healthy sustainable resource. Landowners interested in wildlife management activities will find a wealth of resources in the Department of Conservation. Foresters and Private Land Conservationists can assist in forest thinning activities that improve the health of remaining trees and conditions for wildlife. Field management advice for "open land" wildlife such as quail is also available. Moreover, cost share programs are available for many forest and wildlife activities that are serviced by MDC Foresters and Private land Conservationists. MDC Foresters can provide timely assistance for management advice but other services may take longer to set up. Landowners interested in a timber sale within a short time frame may want to contact www.callb4ucut.com or 1-877-564-7483 on how to set up the sale. There is also an app available for smartphones that provides a basic assessment for the potential of a timber sale, forest health and wildlife on the property. If you are considering a timber sale, develop a harvesting approach that meets your needs. A harvest can benefit or hurt desired wildlife or future timber value depending on how it is conducted. Contact a Forester to get the best out of what is important to you and your woods. |
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