1,100+ Plans Written!
You own woodland because you enjoy it! But what is the proper way to manage it to accomplish your goals? We can help answer those questions and provide you with a long range plan that offers expert management advice and qualifies you for property tax incentive programs. In every case, your goals are the foundation from which we develop a Stewardship Plan for you.
More information about Stewardship Plans is below.
What is a Stewardship Plan?
A Woodland Stewardship Plan is a document that describes your personal goals that you have for the future condition of your woodlands, outlines the resources found on your property, and then recommends management options such as: Enhancing habitat for wildlife, Maintaining ecological diversity, Planting trees, Building trails, Pruning high-value trees, and Harvesting timber.
Having a Woodland Stewardship Plan allows you to change your property's tax classification to Managed Forestland (2c Tax Class), which reduces your property taxes by 35%. The plan can also qualify you for the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act (SFIA), which will pay you per acre in the form of a check every year. As a landowner, you may choose one of the programs, but not both.
A Woodland Stewardship Plan from Itasca Woodland Services is current for a period of 10 years from its completion date and contains the following information (and more) that is completely customized to your region and personal property goals:
Technical Property Information (parcel information, legal descriptions, etc.)
Birds Eye View images of your property and neighboring properties with landowner names
Information about all of the specific soils on your property
Natural Heritage (detailing rare species types in your area and unique landforms)
Cultural Heritage (we provide details about any 50+ year old unique items of interest such as Pioneer Homesteads, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps, Native American camp sites, and Burial Grounds that might be on or near your property)
Ecological subsection information (provides an ecological summary of your property's landform, geology, and resources)
Tips for how to manage your property for wildlife
Detailed lists of all the timber stands located on your property
Expert personalized management recommendations for your wildlife species and timber types
Webinar: What Do you Want from Your Woodlands
Want to get the most out of your property? With more than 30 years in private forestry, Stan shares key insights on managing your land efficiently and qualifying for valuable financial incentives. From small family parcels to massive acreage, every healthy forest starts with a plan.
do i qualify?
If you own at least 20 acres of wooded land, you qualify for a plan.
why would someone want one?
Have you ever wondered exactly how the many unique features and habitats found in your woods function or how they could be managed for maximum benefits to you and the wildlife? Whether you crave trails for cross-country skiing, more habitat for birds or deer, products from pine thinnings, or want to save money by reducing your property taxes, a Woodland Stewardship Plan is definitely for you. It's all about your goals for your woods.
Having a Woodland Stewardship Plan is also the primary means to eligibility into the Managed Forestland (2c Tax Class) Program, which reduces your Rural Vacant Land property taxes by 35%. The plan can also qualify you for the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act (SFIA), which will pay you per acre in the form of a check sent to you every year.
Want to see a sample plan?
Give us a call at 218-328-8070 today—we’d be happy to provide you with a sample plan.
how do i start a plan?
A natural resource professional who has been qualified to write Stewardship Plans will conduct a field inventory, assess specific land factors, and do other work to complete your plan with input from you. You’ll specify land ownership goals. Our professional foresters are the Northland area's premier Certified Stewardship Plan writers available to complete these tasks for you.