Forest stewardship program

Forest Stewardship Program

Program Purpose: To provide technical advice and long range forest management planning to interested landowners. All aspects of the program are voluntary. Plans are designed to meet landowner goals while maintaining the sustainability of the land. The entire property except active farming areas, is covered by the plan.

Eligible Projects: Forest Stewardship Plans are the outcome of this program. They may be provided by either DNR or other approved plan preparers such as forest consultants, environmental organizations, forest industry, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Talk to your local forester to find an approved stewardship plan writer.

Why Apply: Upon registration of your stewardship plan, you will be eligible for

1) For the state's cost share program to help defer the costs of implementation of forest management activities,

2) To enroll your forested lands into the Sustainable Forestry Incentive Act or 2c Managed Forest Land property tax relieve programs, and

3) To receive periodic forest management information mailings from the MN DNR.

Who May Apply: Private forest landowners including corporations whose stocks are not publicly traded and own between 20 - 1,000 acres of land. At least 20 acres of the land must have or will have trees.

Priorities: First come, first served.

General Information: The DNR has provided voluntary planning advice since 1947. While still based on the landowner goals, this program has expanded to include all aspects of the ecosystem as well. This program is authorized by MN Laws 88.79, and U.S. Public Law Chapter 101 (1990 Farm Bill). Check the US Forest Service- Forest Stewardship Program Web site for more information.

How to Apply: Contact your area DNR forester.

Or you may contact:
Andrew Arends,
Cooperative Forest Management Supervisor, DNR Forestry
500 Lafayette Road, Box 44
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: (651) 259-5261
Fax: (651) 296-5954