Benefits
of Forest Management
Benefits of Forest Management on Your Land
Whether
you own 10 acres or 200, practicing sustainable
management of your woodland can result in many
benefits, depending upon the goals you set and the
type of woodland you own. Here are some of
the possible benefits good management can bring:
- More
and Higher Quality Trees – by removing low quality
and poorly formed trees, growth can be concentrated
on higher quality, more valuable trees which will
grow faster.
- Greater
Income over time – Higher quality trees of
desirable species can appreciate in value at rates
up to 20 percent annually.
- Improved
Wildlife Habitat – Management can develop a
mixture of habitats on your property, increasing
biodiversity, and providing needed habitat for some
species whose habitat needs aren’t adequately met,
as well as protecting cavity trees and other
important resources for wildlife.
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click
to enlarge
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A
thinned maple stand at
Maple Corner Farm provides
both more maple syrup and a
beautiful place to walk or ski
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- Savings
on your Real Estate Taxes – Woodlands under
management qualify for the 95% tax savings available
under Chapter 61.
- An
improved road and trail system – Skids roads put
in for a timber harvest or improvement cutting can
be designed for use afterward for hiking, skiing, or
just enjoying your woods. Similarly, if your
property has a scenic aspect, views may be opened up
as part of other cutting done to improve the
woodland.
- A
Healthier Forest – Overcrowded trees often
struggle to survive, weakening them against insects
or disease. Releasing such trees by removing
competing trees will make them grow faster and more
hardy against pests.
- Protect
and even improve Water Quality – Careful
management will leave or develop buffers in
streamside and wetland areas to filter runoff and
remove pollutants. Such buffers provide tree cover
to keep streams cool, improving fish habitat.
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To
find out more about What’s Involved with Forest
Management, please see our menu on the left side of this
page.
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