Fire away!
You ask, we answer.
As you embark on the journey to care for your forest for long term sustainability, questions are sure to arise.
From our first walk together on your land discussing your vision and goals, we are here to answer your questions, address your concerns & walk this path together.
Our joy is in the fulfillment of our clients vision and wishes in building a land legacy and in caring for New England forests as if they were our own.
FAQ's
What is a forest management plan?
A forest management plan is an essential document which provides you with a detailed analysis of your forest property and guidance on how to achieve short and long-term stewardship objectives. A forest management plan is the user manual and guide to your forest property.
What is current use?
Current use is a preferential treatment tax program designed to reduce your property taxes if you agree to actively steward your farm and forestland property. Enrolling your land into a current use tax category is free, easy, and helps to promote the protection of open space and our working farms a forestland. Current use enrollment is not permanent and must be maintained periodically in order to continue the benefit. Meadowsend foresters can help you navigate the entire current use process. These programs differ in New Hampshire and Vermont so contact us today to learn more.
When is a good time to harvest timber on my property?
Harvesting timber is one of the biggest decisions you can make as a forestland owner and it should not be taken lightly. Working with a forester can make the process manageable and often very exciting. Harvesting timber can be a powerful tool for achieving multiple land stewardship objectives on your property. Determining if and when active forest stewardship involving the harvest and sale of timber is right for you and your land is something a forester is trained to do. Reach out to one of our foresters working in your area to learn more about your timber harvesting options.
What will my land look like after a timber harvest?
Conducting active forest management will result in significant changes to your forest. But, when done thoughtfully and under the guidance of a licensed professional forester, these changes can result in very positive results. The goal of any good timber harvest is to promote the growth and development of a healthy and resilient forest. Click the link below to see what active forest management looks like. (LINK to some photos of timber harvest on landowners lands maybe?)
What can i do to enhance wildlife habitat?
In New England, most of our wildlife species live in the forest and rely on different habitat types throughout the year. If you are looking to promote diverse wildlife habitats on your property, then working with forester is a great first step. We can help you identify the important wildlife habitat areas and features on your property and how best to protect and enhance them.
What are the steps involved in creating a forest management plan for my land?
The first step in creating a forest management plan for your property is to call us and schedule an initial woods walk with one of our foresters. We will explore the property with you to learn about the forest and your connection to the land. After an initial visit, we begin the process of conducting a detailed natural resource inventory and forest analysis of the entire property. We take the information collected in the woods and develop an in-depth description of the forest along with a series of maps and our recommendations for active stewardship projects aimed at achieving your goals.
How can i make my forest more resilient to climate change?
Climate change represents a significant challenge to maintaining the important services (clean air, water filtration and flood mitigation, climate regulation, wildlife habitat, etc.) our forests provide. As a forestland owner you can have a positive role to play when it comes to helping forests adapt to a changing climate. Protecting our forests, restoring diversity, enhancing resiliency, and storing carbon are natural climate solutions that can be promoted through thoughtful forest stewardship.
What financial resources are available to me as a landowner?
There are two primary sources of funding available to private landowners- current use and cost share. Current use programs help keep forest land as forest by reducing property tax rates. Cost share programs help pay for out-of-pocket expenses for practices such as preparing a forest management plan, timber stand improvement, improving wildlife habitat, access control, forest health and protecting soil and water quality.
How can i connect with other landowners with similar interests?
There are multitude of landowner focused programs such as Vermont Woodlands Association (VWA) and New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association (NHTOA) that provide opportunities for collaboration, education and community involvement through meetings, workshops and social media.
What can i do to promote forest health?
Forest health is #1 for you and #1 for us! It is a complex issue and at the root of all sound forest management. The first step is to take a walk through your woods with a forestry professional to identify forest health concerns. This can be done with a Meadowsend forester as part of our services. You can also reach out to your local country forester who will come walk your land with you at no charge. Once you prioritize your forest health management goals Meadowsend can work with you to create a forest management plan which helps meet these objectives.
I’m not interested in cutting any trees, so, why would I want a Forest Management Plan?
Yes, forest management plans are equally important and useful regardless of your management interests. Forest management plans are important tools to document the condition of your forest and your management goals, and guide management for wildlife habitat, forest health, recreation, and aesthetics even if timber is not an objective.
Can Meadowsend help me create trails in my forest?
Absolutely! Trail creation often goes hand in hand with forest management. Meadowsend has extensive experience laying out and building trails which can be a standalone activity or incorporated into an active harvest operation.