The other thread reminded me about this question. A SWCD forester came out for free, did a quick walk around, and gave some verbal advice but you have to pay to have a detailed long term plan created. Has anybody had one of these created for them and did you find it valuable? How detailed are they?
I have read many in the duties of my work. I have not personally had one done for my property.
The ones I have read are quite intensive in the diversity of properties. Most give a good inventory of different tree species, wetland types, and ecosystem information. They all will give management suggestions based of the purpose of the Stewardship plan.
If you are interested in using the Stewardship plan to enroll in say 2c Forest management for property tax purposes (.65% tax rate vs 1% for Rural Vacant land, if you have Ag Homestead (.5% base tax rate) I would suggest not to enroll in 2C) or SFIA for an annual income, a certified Plan writer is needed. Prices seem to vary between writers but the stewardship plans are a nice piece to start managing your property.
Does your woods need a fair amount of management/ invasive control?
Not familiar with this exact plan. But if there is quite a bit of work needed, ask them about the USDA program eqip and see if there are any forestry cost-share options for your area- each county is different, some have money to clean up invasive brush and trees. Fed funded so may be on hold but worth asking about.
Does your woods need a fair amount of management/ invasive control?
Main issue, I think and from the brief review with forester, is just that it’s old. Probably hasn’t been managed at all for 20+ years. The only other thing I’m aware of is some spruce budworm damage.
The ones I have read are quite intensive in the diversity of properties.
I think I need to cut a lot down to get some new growth. I have about 15 acres of aspen, for example, that was previously clearcut and it’s all 25(?) years old and exactly the same height with no young stuff. The rest is a mix of northern MN swamp stuff that’s too thick in areas and choking each other out.
I’m hesitant to just start cutting too much down without knowing what I’m doing since it’s a pretty long term commitment. Would the plans be pretty specific about exactly where to cut and how much?
Just be careful they don’t label it a protected “peat bog”… I ended up selling a 120 acre tract because of that. Very little you can do with it.
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