2. Forest Planning is Like Planning a Vacation How Planning Improves the Outcome Peter J. Smallidge NYS Extension Forester and Director, Arnot Teaching and Research Forest pjs23@cornell.edu www.ForestConnect.info

3. Focus on the Target not the Bow

4. What is A Management Plan “A path to the target” The Benefits of a Plan establish and clarify goals document woodlot health and condition document your active role (for IRS) strategize future possibilities schedule activities required for those in 480-a (for NYS) Don’t worry…it isn’t all that difficult

5. Let’s Plan a Vacation What do you want to accomplish? –This is the target, all questions relate to the target !! Who should be part of the discussion? What resources do you currently have? –Assets and their condition What actions need to occur? –Critical vs. desired actions –Sequence

6. Let’s Plan for Your Forest 1. What do you want to accomplish? Desired “products”? –Serenity? –Recreation? –Timber? –Wildlife?

7. 2. Who else should be involved in the discussion? Spouse Business partner Family members (heirs) Let’s Plan for Your Forest

8. 3. What resources do you currently have? Boundary line surveyed? Sketch a map Management units (“stands”) –Acres –Dominate vegetation –Tree density, sparse or thick –Specific objectives? –Soil advantages or disadvantages? Equipment and people to help Sullivan publication, field activity Let’s Plan for Your Forest

9. 4. Actions and time table Which are critical? Do any need to happen before another? What is the best sequence? –most important to the vision –interest –access Let’s Plan for Your Forest

10. Let’s Plan for Your Forest 5.What additional resources do you need to obtain? Soils map Topographic map Aerial photograph Educational materials –CCE woodlot management –Maple manual –Videos Training courses –Game of logging –Master Forest Owner –Timber income & taxes Boundary survey Lists of plants/animals Other?

11. Who Can Help? Technical Assistance Department of Environmental Conservation Private sector foresters Cornell Cooperative Extension Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil and Water Conservation Districts

12. Work With Others CCE Master Forest Owners NY Forest Owners Assoc. THRIFT CFA professional foresters “Trained Logger Certification” Neighbors Family

13. What Should I Do Next? Review your answers and discuss them with family Join NYFOA Collect a file folder of information (maps, photos, deeds, history, etc.) Contact SWCD for soils and aerial photos Contact Cooperative Extension for catalog Contact MFO for a free visit Contact DEC for a free visit