Forests, Woodlands & Trees

AREA oF INTEREST

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Forests and woodlands are constantly changing. To get the most out of your property to meet your wildlife, recreational, aesthetic or economic goals, some type of regular management will be necessary. Getting the most out of your woods can be a challenge on your own. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you.

A forestry professional can help plot the best course of action for meeting your ownership objectives while keeping your woods healthy. Your selection of a professional depends on what services you need and the size of your property. Ten (10) acres can be a threshold for where you go in Indiana.

Property Size

The Directory of Professional Foresters is a service provided by the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association. For this directory, the term “professional forester” means a person who has successfully completed a four year college level curriculum accredited by the Society of American Foresters and has received a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry from that accredited institution.

The Indiana DNR Division of Forestry provides private forestland management assistance through District Foresters who are professionally trained to manage forestland for the many resources it can provide. District foresters can help landowners access both state and federal programs that provide technical assistance, property tax incentives, and cost-sharing incentives for applying practices that accomplish sustainable management.

Foresters can help answer some of your tax questions. The National Timber Tax Website is another good resource. The National Timber Tax Website was developed to be used by timberland owners, as well as a reference for accountants, attorneys, consulting foresters and other professionals who work with timberland owners regarding the tax treatment of timber related activities.

USDA programs offer technical and some financial assistance with approved practices. Find out more at your county USDA Service Center.

The Indiana Division of Forestry has a woodlot owner series that provides basic information for anyone who owns a small woodlot or backyard woods.

Because of the scale of operation, it may be difficult to get professional services from a forester for small woodlots. In some cases, tree harvests are set up directly with Indiana licensed timber buyers. The Indiana Hardwood Lumberman’s Association has a Find a Logger database online to find a professional logger.

Two Purdue publications provide suggestions on steps to take when selling timber:
Marketing Timber, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center.
Tips on How to Get the Most from Your Timber Harvest, The Education Store.
Consulting and industrial foresters are generally available to assist landowners with timber sales. Some consulting and industrial foresters may be willing to assist you on small properties. Find foresters in your area at: www.findindianaforester.org.
In some cases, tree harvests are conducted directly with loggers. The Indiana Hardwood Lumberman’s Association has a Find a Logger database online.

The Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner course provides forest landowners eight learning sessions designed to introduce them to the biology and management of forests, and the resources and professional assistance they can access to help them form their property management goals and pursue their objectives. Field experiences are integrated into the course to provide in-person, hands-on connections with the biology and management of Indiana forests. Connections made during the course and field tours introduce landowners to the foresters and other natural resource professionals who can help them with the management of their forestland. This course is offered in-person at varying locations around the state and also as an online version with live question-and-answer sessions. Courses normally run between January and April, so check the Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature Blog and Upcoming Events sites for dates and registration information.

Discover a comprehensive suite of oak-focused resources curated by Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Extension to support landowners, educators and natural resource professionals. From expert-reviewed publications and engaging videos to insightful webinars and podcasts, our oak resources cover everything from species identification and forest stewardship to wildlife habitat management and oak regeneration techniques, Explore the Rich World of Oaks.

Woodland owners often learn the most from people who are in their situation – fellow woodland owners. Several groups provide different ways to connect and have different resources. Explore the following to find out which group(s) fits your needs.

Invasive species present a serious threat to the health and productivity of trees and forests. You can learn about recognition, reporting, and management of the invasive species found in forests at these sites:

Purdue University Report Invasives
Purdue FNR Got Nature Blog post, What Are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Landowners may access assistance with identification and recommended treatments to manage invasive plant species through the State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management Indiana Invasives Initiative