Forest management planning is a type of arrangement that is tailored to the needs of the landowner, offering guidance from managing forests to maximizing forestry operations revenue generated on the property.
Landowner specific goals are incorporated into the land, things like hunting, wildlife, and recreation. Because a forest consists of more than just trees, incorporating all the features that make the forest healthy is crucial, which includes water and aesthetics.
Plans are made for the forest, and they are submitted to the county property appraisers with a request for an agricultural tax exemption, which can result in savings of tens of thousands of dollars each year. These plans must include land improvement while meeting or exceeding identified goals and objectives.
What is Included in Forest Management Planning?
Site Preparation
Prescribed Burning
Fire is one of the four primary methods of site preparation. It is used to manage hunting land and clear land for agriculture, improving access for tree planting and building the wildlife habitat. The best times of the year to schedule a prescribed burning is in the late summer and early fall, which present the most favorable weather conditions.
Because we are forest management planning professionals at PHS, we recognize the drawbacks of prescribed burns such as smoke and the danger of the fire jumping its lines, which is why there are four essential measures handled by PHS when it comes to prescribed burning.
1. Fireline inspection requires a physical examination of the fire line to determine any hazards that may adversely impact safety, including leaves, grasses, ditches, and power lines.
2. Fireline placement and improvement include reviewing maps of individual burn blocks and the entire property. Key danger areas and fire lines are noted. Smoke management maps designate affected areas outside the property.
3. Application for the burn permit includes notifying appropriate local and state agencies of the prescribed burn and obtaining the permit from the Florida Division of Forestry.
4. Monitoring the mop-up once the fire is done includes: checking to be certain the fire is out, and confirming water and other approved agents are used to reduce residual smoke.
Seeding and Planting
Preparation and planning of a proper site increase the opportunity to maximize investment value. Forestry habitat site prep work produces efficient seeding and tree planting. Seedlings grow and develop as planned because there is:
• The right amount of light
• Proper nutrients
• Sufficient moisture
• Room to grow
Replanting should be incorporated into the plan and started as soon as possible. Site regeneration achieves planting and survival expectations that include quality trees that grow faster than volunteer trees of questionable value.
The plans for forest management planning include essential site preparation tools like fuel load reduction and the reduction of competing vegetation.
Future actions depend on the landowner’s goals. They may include habitat creation and enhancement through the use of small plants, shrubs or tree and native grass planting. Site prep work is a leading priority in land management plans and the success of habitat restoration.
Timber Valuation and Sales Assistance
The following services are typically managed for the landowner to maximize investment return:
· Designate trees to be harvested.
· Provide a tree inventory to area loggers so they can participate in a competitive bid process for the trees.
· Manage advertising regarding the date bids will open and qualifications for bidding.
· Prepare a sale inventory that details the board footage to be removed as well as the species and number of trees.
· Arrange and conduct tours for potential bidders.
· Administrate and negotiate the contract between the timber buyer and landowner.
Timber Purchasing and Harvesting
The long term goals of the landowner should be reflected in the size, quality, quantity, and species of trees removed in a timber harvest. Examples include:
· Wildlife habitat improvement
· Forest health
· Sustainable income from the timber
Silvicultural treatments and cutting cycles are unique for each property and defined by forest characteristics and goals. Our knowledgeable marketing and management practices result in desirable timber values.
*Silviculture is the practice of controlling the composition, growth, health, and quality to meet the diverse needs of forests.
If you are in need of forestry management planning services, contact us today for your free quote!
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