Forest Stewardship Program
The Georgia Forestry Commission provides landowners with forest management advice. Basic information for a specific tree or forest situation is usually conveyed in a few sentences or a brief plan.
A management plan is provided when more detailed information is requested or needed. This is usually within a single stand of trees and might be a plan describing the steps necessary to plant a new stand of trees, how to improve their growth, thinning a stand of timber, conducting a timber sale, prescribed burning, timber harvest options or insect damage control.
A Forest Stewardship management plan can be provided to landowners interested in managing their forestland for multiple use purposes such as timber, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, aesthetics, and soil and water conservation. Stewardship plans provide an opportunity for forestry professionals to engage families in planning for the future, developing new forest and natural resource advocates, and increasing active participation of heirs on their land. These are detailed and comprehensive management plans written by natural resource professionals with backgrounds in forestry, wildlife biology, soil science, and recreation management. Landowners with an interest in multiple use management begin by completing an official application which details their interests and objectives. The resource professional responsible for constructing the plan will evaluate the property and develop a management program to help the landowner reach their objectives while improving the management of all resources.
A Forest Stewardship management plan can be written by a Georgia Forestry Commission Forester or a Consulting Registered Forester.
The Forest Stewardship Program recognizes landowners who implement their Forest Stewardship Plan and do an outstanding job of managing their forest resources. A set of guidelines was developed to determine and help designate qualified forest landowners as Certified Forest Stewards. These landowners are recognized for their management accomplishments and given a Stewardship Forest sign to post on their land signifying their achievements.
Certified Forest Stewards
Landowners who implement a Forest Stewardship plan and meet the guidelines of a Certified Forest Steward are recognized for their outstanding job of managing their forest resources and are given a Forest Stewardship sign to post on their land signifying their accomplishments.
More Information:
- Contact your local Forester or Forest Stewardship Staff
- You can Request a Forest Stewardship plan online here.
Resources
- Application Georgia's Forest Stewardship Program - updated 2012
- Forest Stewardship Plan Construction Consultant Contract - updated December 2012
- Forest Steward Designation Evaluation Form - updated December 2010
- Guidelines for Forest Steward Designation - updated 2009
- Standards for Forest Stewardship Plans & Renewals
- Forest Stewardship Plan Shapefile Requirements
