Landowners should consider forestry management, group says
Rick Merinar, a district forester from Cookeville, pointed out 55 percent of Tennessee is covered by woodlands which provide its residents with clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, as well as a valuable renewable resource. These forests raise the quality of life, promote tourism, and support a strong forest products industry that employs over 78,000 Tennesseans.
Along with fellow foresters Chris Carney, an area forester serving Warren, Cannon, and DeKalb counties, and John Fenderson, an environmental affairs and public outreach leader, Merinar stressed that all woodland owners could benefit from free professional forest management advice.
Too often the only time landowners consider the attributes of their woodlands is when they consider having a timber sale and unfortunately make the costly mistake of not obtaining professional advice. It was strongly advised to the group that four important steps should be followed by landowners when managing their timber lands.
? Step one ? For the landowner to contact their local area forester or a private consultant forester.
? Step two ? To have a complete inventory of their property developed. This not only includes the age, species, and condition of the trees on their property but should also include documenting all plant and wildlife species and habitats of interest to the landowner. A detailed map of the property should also be developed.
? Step three ? For the landowner to clearly convey to the forester what their objectives of management are. Why do they own the land and what do they want to obtain from it? Is making the most money possible from a timber sale the only objective, or do they want to provide habitat for a certain species of wildlife, protect a water source, create a hiking trail, or perpetuate the growth of wildflowers? The list can be endless.
? Step four ? For the forester to provide management recommendations and advice to the landowner to meet their stated objectives based upon the condition of their property.
Merinar closed by reminding the group that the Tennessee Division of Forestry provides assistance promoting sustainable forest management free of charge to private landowners. They work closely with other state agencies such as the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, when completing inventories and providing management recommendations.
The Cumberland River Compact will hold a meeting this Thursday, April 26, to provide more information on the types of programs landowners can utilize. This meeting will at First United Methodist Church, 200 W. Main Street, McMinnville. Refreshments will be provided at 5:30 p.m., and the educational program will begin at 6 p.m.
For more information, contact Faye Ziegeweid, watersheds director for the Cumberland River Compact, at 615-469-5962.