Forest management is a complex process involving the management of timber stands to meet a desired outcome. This process requires gaining knowledge of forest and ecosystem behavior, as well as the biological requirements of individual tree and wildlife species in the area. This knowledge is then combined with various thinning and harvesting methods, in order to obtain specified outcomes or goals. Once the management goals and desired outcomes are delineated, a forest inventory is designed to gain a sample that will adequately represent the forest composition in order to make management decisions.

Earth WERC’s Forest Management Services utilize the most current ecological based science available.  We work through the State of MN Forest Stewardship Program (FSP). In a FSP a Forester meets with the landowner to assess their goals and objectives and does a limited timber stand inventory. Then makes short-term management recommendations to meet long term objectives. Management recommendations are based on your goals as a landowner.  The minimum acreage for a FSP is 20 acres of forested land.

The FSP would make you eligible for 2C tax classification and the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act (SFIA) that can provide substantial financial implications.  With both of these programs the landowner must follow the recommendations of the plan, so it is important that your goals are taken into consideration when the plan is developed. 

Earth WERC would be excited to help you through the process of setting goals and objectives for your property as well as developing a management plan to meet them.  The key is in understanding what the land is capable of, how the natural systems work, and then working with nature to encourage stabile and resilient ecosystems.

Our cost to develop a Forest Stewardship Plan for your property is $6.00 per acre excluding open water habitats and developed areas.  Once registered with the MN Department of Natural Resources this plan would make you eligible for the 2C tax classification and SFIA mentioned previously.  We strive to exceed the standard for the program, including a Native Plant Community determination. Once the plan is complete, Earth WERC can assist in project implementation. Timber sale administration is 17% of the stumpage sale price.