Your local resource for natural resources since 1938
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
MUSKEGON CONSERVATION DISTRICT
| The mission of the Muskegon Conservation District is serving, educating, and empowering our community for natural resource protection by providing site-specific technical assistance and information to landowners in all aspects of natural resource management. |
| This site and content are the property of the Muskegon Conservation District |
Almost 50% of the forestland in Michigan is owned by private individuals. That's
over 8.3 million acres in the hands of private landowners. Many of these private
lands are small parcels, under 30 acres, and are not actively managed. For
many landowners, they are not sure what value their woodlot has financially, but
are also not sure as to the benefits they provide as wildlife habitat, as recreational
areas, or for aesthetic appeal.
The Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) is offered to residents of Muskegon
County to provide those non-industrial private landowners with information on
how they can manage their forest resources in a way that will achieve their
specific goals. Management is not always the cutting of trees for financial gain. A
woodlot, or forest can be managed to attract more wildlife, provide recreational
areas such as nature trails, ski trails, wildlife viewing opportunities and more.
over 8.3 million acres in the hands of private landowners. Many of these private
lands are small parcels, under 30 acres, and are not actively managed. For
many landowners, they are not sure what value their woodlot has financially, but
are also not sure as to the benefits they provide as wildlife habitat, as recreational
areas, or for aesthetic appeal.
The Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) is offered to residents of Muskegon
County to provide those non-industrial private landowners with information on
how they can manage their forest resources in a way that will achieve their
specific goals. Management is not always the cutting of trees for financial gain. A
woodlot, or forest can be managed to attract more wildlife, provide recreational
areas such as nature trails, ski trails, wildlife viewing opportunities and more.
The Forestry Assistance Program can help you achieve your forest management goals. Good stewardship
begins with good planning. Conservation planning begins by walking through the forest with the
Conservation District Forester. During this meeting you will learn about your forest - it's condition, it's
potential, your management options - and the forester will learn your goals.
New, a plan is written, including a description of your forestland, your management objectives, and actions
needed to achieve those objectives. Your plan may include practices such as:
- invasive species control and removal
- forest erosion control
- timber harvesting
- forest stand improvement
- windbreak establishment
- wildlife habitat enhancement
Once your plan has been written, the Muskegon Conservation District can help you carry out many of the
management activities. Our office can provide referral to professionals including tree planters, private
consulting foresters, industrial foresters, loggers, and seeding contractors. In addition, many conservation
practices are eligible for cost sharing through government programs. The Muskegon Conservation District
can help direct you to the program that's right for your planned activities. To participate in the Forestry
Assistance Program feel free to contact our office and arrange a site visit.
________________________________________________________________________________
WATERSHED FORESTRY RESOURCE GUIDE
New website created through a Partnership of the Center for Watershed Protection and US
Forest Service - Northeastern Area State & Private Forestry
| Forestry Carbon Credits Michigan Conservation and Climate Initiative |
