Forestland is one of Michigan's most productive natural resources. The benefits derived from these forests are innumerable. In addition, if treated properly, the forest is entirely renewable. To promote the wise use and stewardship of privately owned forestlands is the goal of the Forest Stewardship Program. Stewardship benefits all citizens, not just the landowner. Timber production, protection of soil and water resources and wildlife habitat are all benefits to the state. Forests offer recreational opportunities and beauty to all.

Who is eligible?

Over half of Michigan's forestland is owned by non industrial landowners who receive most of their income from sources other than their forests. Candidates for the program are those landowners who are both interested in and committed to long term management that is economically viable and socially, ecologically and environmentally responsible.

Any private non-industrial forest landowner with a minimum of 12 acres of forestland who wants to manage the land for its many resources is eligible.

How does a landowner participate in the Forest Stewardship Program?

Landowners may contact their local DNR Service Foresters to be referred to a certified plan writer in their area, or to get further information. The plan writers are mostly private consultant foresters or wildlife biologists. In most cases, the plan writer will have a grant which enables the landowner to pay for only half the cost of the plan preparation.

Management plans are developed to meet the goals of the landowner, and to provide a comprehensive resource evaluation of the land and the relationship to the surrounding landscape. At least 5 acres must be forested or planned to be reforested by tree planting efforts. Concentrating on the landowner's goals and objectives, the Forest Stewardship Management Plan is a detailed plan that addresses several aspects of the environment, including forestry, wetlands, soil erosion, wildlife and fisheries. The plan provides the landowner with management recommendations that will help meet their goals and objectives, while at the same time enhancing the health of the entire ecosystem. Up to 50% of the cost of the plan preparation may be cost shared.

Sources of additional information for landowners:

There are many sources that landowners can go to for assistance. Listed by county (see link below) are agency people, as well as private consultants who are certified under the Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) to prepare FSP management plans. These people are referred by as Certified Plan Writers. For more information regarding the FSP refer to the Forest Stewardship Information Fact Sheet.

Who in Forest, Mineral and Fire Management works with Forest Stewardship?

Service Foresters: Contact with Landowners, on the ground technical assistance, and approves stewardship plans:

• Steve Kalisz, Northwest Michigan - 231-775-9727 x6043
• Mike Hanley, Southern Michigan - 517-241-1608
• Tom Stone, Northeast Michigan - 231-238-9314
• Rich Stevenson, East Upper Peninsula - 906-293-5131 x 4043
• Ernie Houghton, Central Upper Peninsula - 906-786-2351
• Gary Willis, Western Upper Peninsula - 906-353-6651

Program Personnel: Oversee program details, coordinate program with partners.

• Debra Huff, Forest Stewardship Coordinator - 517-335-3355
• Scott Heather, Section Leader, Resource Protection and Cooperative Programs - 517-373-1219

Are there other projects that are connected with Forest Stewardship?

The FSP funds Outreach and Education projects across the state. The program's purpose is to enable individual landowners to achieve personal land ownership goals and objectives while maintaining forest ecosystems, biological resources and the supply of forest products for future owners and society as a whole. Funds are available to individuals and organizations on a competitive basis for forestry projects that provide education and outreach to Non-Industrial Private Forest (NIPF) landowners. This is a 50-50 cost share match program. The applicant's matching funds cannot come from other Federal funds. The purposes of this grant program include: an increased understanding of the benefits of actively managing forest ecosystems, developing long-term management plans that will achieve forest stewardship while at the same time providing outreach and education to NIPF landowners about forest stewardship, providing outreach and education to all citizens about stewardship of our natural resources.