The Forest Stewardship Program makes forestry assistance available to private forest landowners and increases public awareness about wise forest use and management.  The program focuses on developing detailed plans for privately owned forestland based on specific objectives of the owner.  Free, on-the-ground planning assistance is provided by natural resource specialists under the leadership of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division.

Depending upon landowners' objectives, stewardship plans may contain detailed recommendations for improvement of wildlife habitat and development of recreational opportunities, as well as for timber establishment, stand improvement and harvesting.  Guidelines for prevention of soil erosion, protection of water quality, and preservation of visual values are included in all stewardship plans.

When it is time to carry out the forestry practices prescribed in stewardship plans, check to see if cost-share funds are still available to help defray the costs.  Resource specialists are available to furnish the information and technical assistance landowners need to carry out stewardship practice components.

Landowners who practice good stewardship in the management of their lands not only reap greater financial profits but also harvest a wider variety of forest related benefits, prevent pollution, and create a renewable living legacy for future generations of Tennesseans.

Excellence in achieving forest stewardship objectives may be recognized by designation of the property as a Tennessee Stewardship Forest and the landowner as a Stewardship Forest Owner.  To qualify, landowners must:

• have 10 acres or more of forestland

• obtain and implement a forest stewardship plan

• have at least one secondary management objective in addition to their primary objective

• protect the land from erosion and prevent pollution of streams and lakes

• carry out the plan according to standards which maintain the productivity of forest resources and protect the environment.

For more information on this program, contact your local area forester.