Resources to help you develop your management plan

There are many sources of information to guide you as you develop a plan for your woods. Take advantage of them!

• Your State Tree Farm Committee: State Tree Farm Committees offer publications, field days, training sessions, and events where you can learn new skills and share information with other woodland owners. Find your state contact and connect with Tree Farm in your state.

• State-Specific Resources: The American Tree Farm System website has a wealth of information available on resources available in your state. Find what is available to help you manage your Tree Farm.

• Management Plan Templates. A downloadable template for landowners can provide a sample framework for you and your forester to use to develop a plan for your woodland. This Joint Management Plan Template for ATFS, FS, and NRCS was based on the Montana Forest Stewardship and Tree Farm management plan developed by forestry professor Dr. Peter Kolb of Montana State University.

• Natural Heritage Databases: Natural heritage databases are rich resources, with comprehensive information on threatened and endangered species, forests of recognized importance, and sites with special biological significance. These are most often managed by each state’s natural resources agency.  The NatureServe Network is a clearinghouse, searchable by state, of agencies providing natural heritage data. 

• The National Register of Historic Places: The Register can help you determine if there are sites of historic, archaeological, or cultural importance on your land. The U.S. National Park Service maintains the Register and keeps a list of state historic preservation officers at.

• Your State Forestry Agency’s Website: State agency websites contain many resources that can help you, including state guidelines on Best Management Practices, information about endangered and threatened species, and resources to help you manage invasive species, insect pests, and other threats to your woodlands.