The DNR plans forest management in the short-term (10-year planning periods) to advance long-term (50+ year) objectives at the landscape scale. Long-term landscape planning ensures that the DNR continually meets its mandates for the various lands it administers and that the forest is as productive and healthy for future generations as it is today.
The DNR’s Section Forest Resource Management Plan (SFRMP) system guides forest management activities on state-administered forest lands, primarily in state forests and Wildlife Management Areas, at the ecological section scale. Section Forest Resource Management Plans have both strategic and operational components designed to advance long-term landscape scale goals over 10-year planning periods, including:
The components of the DNR's forest resource management plan are:
Strategic direction – decisions for how to fulfill statutory requirements and balance multiple values sustainably through forest resource management
10-year stand exam list – a list of forest stands to examine for potential management to advance the strategic direction
Narrative plan guidance – considerations for management decisions regarding stands on the 10-year stand exam list to advance landscape-scale goals within ecological sections
How does the process work?
Process objectives
The objectives of the forest management planning process are to:
Ensure the DNR perpetually meets its mandates for the various forest lands it administers
Develop credible plans that enable good forest management
Inform and involve the public and interested parties about DNR-administered forestland management
The plans are made with the best available knowledge at the time, and in alignment with existing state and agency policy. The DNR monitors plan implementation continuously each year, and more thoroughly every five years. Every 10 years, the DNR assesses resource conditions and updates its plans considering new information and changing conditions.
Other planning efforts
Other planning efforts are also considered when developing Section Forest Resource Management Plans. These may include:
DNR Strategic Conservation Agenda (2015–2025)
DNR Wildlife Management Area plans
County Forest Management Plans
How can you get involved?
The DNR invites public involvement during the planning process.
All current forest management planning documents are available online and draft planning documents are available online during public comment periods. Paper copies are available upon request.
Sign up to receive updates on the SFRMP process, including opportunities to provide input.
Contact
Please email questions or comments to [email protected]