AgEBB-MU CAFNR Extension

Green Horizons

Volume 22, Number 2
Spring 2018

Agroforestry

Missouri Managed Woods Update

By Steve Westin| Missouri Department of Conservation

In the Fall 2017 issue of Green Horizons I wrote an article introducing a new Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) program called Missouri Managed Woods (MMW). I would like to provide you with an update on the status of MMW.

The first land was enrolled in the program in late December of 2017. It is located in Pettis County, and covers over 150 acres of wooded lands. Since then, five additional properties covering nearly 1,500 acres have been enrolled. Currently fifteen more ownerships totaling over 3,000 acres are in various stages of the enrollment process.

Recall that the purpose of MMW is to encourage more private forest landowners to get their land under active, long-term, professionally directed management.

Landowners who are actively managing their woods under an approved plan, such as members of the Missouri Tree Farm System, or those who are interested in developing and implementing a plan on their lands, could benefit from this program.

Program Requirements:

Minimum of 20 contiguous acres of wooded land
Maximum market value of no more than $3,500 per acre
No structures or large bodies of water on enrolled lands

Landowner Benefits & Services:

Priority assistance from a professional forester
Forest management plan based on the landowner's goals
Increased MDC cost share rate to assist with forest management practices
Timber harvest assistance
Sustainable timber harvest incentive to offset yield tax
Timber basis preparation if appropriate
Reduced property taxes Landowner Obligations:
Landowner must sign and agree to implement their management plan
Property boundaries must be clearly marked
Livestock must be fenced out of the woods
Pay yield tax on timber sale stumpage value
Enrollment in the Missouri Tree Farm program is encouraged