Woodland Stewardship
Who can be a woodland steward?
Every landowner can be a woodland steward. All it takes is a desire to do what is best for your woods, some thoughtful planning and a commitment to putting your management plans into action. No matter the size of your land or the nature of your ownership, active stewardship can make a huge impact.
How do I become a good woodland steward?
Becoming a woodland steward is an exciting process and My St. Croix Woods is here to help! Developing a woodland stewardship or similar management plan is often the first step in becoming a good steward. Keep reading for more details on how to get started!
LEARN ABOUT YOUR WOODS
Download our My St. Croix Woods fact sheets or contact us for more detailed information.
Owning and Managing your Woodland
Get started on the basics of woodland ownership with this introductory fact sheet. Learn more about the importance of establishing your boundaries, knowing your liability, understanding your taxes, and planning for the future.
Keeping your Woods Healthy
This fact sheet will get you started on understanding your trees, soil and forest ecosystem, and what to consider when planning your management approach. Want to create or maintain a healthy habitat for wildlife? This fact sheet will also help you get started on creating healthy wildlife habitat in your woodlands.
Your Woods, Your Waters
Healthy forests mean healthy waters. Learn more about how your trees make a difference for the entire St. Croix watershed and what you can do protect water quality on your land.
Financing your Forest
Financing management of your woodlands can be a tricky hurdle to overcome. Learn about some of the cost-share, tax relief, and conservation easement programs available to woodland owners in the St. Croix region, and which ones might be best for you.
Timber Harvests & Forest Income
Harvesting your timber can be a great way to improve the health of your forest, earn a profit, and support your local economy. That being said, it can also be an overwhelming task to take on and plan. This fact sheet will help to start thinking about whether you should harvest, understand what to expect from your forester and loggers, and provide an overview of the process of selling your timber. You can also learn about some alternative ways to profit from your woods, like harvesting and marketing non-timber forest products or leasing out hunting and recreation permits.