ENROLLING IN NORTH CAROLINA'S FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

Are you one of special individuals who accepts the responsibility of forest ownership and who is committed to improving the forest for present and future generations? Many forest owners want to leave the land and forest in better condition than when they received it.

If you are among that special group, foresters and agency professionals stand ready to assist you through the North Carolina Forest Stewardship Program. What's at stake is our quality of life, our natural environment, and our economy.

Public forestland can no longer meet all demands for timber, clean water, wildlife, productive soil, and recreational opportunities. Privately owned forestland, however, can help to meet those demands if the owners have the desire and ability to manage their land for multiple purposes.

Private landowners and farmers are the primary keepers of North Carolina's vast forest resources. Together, they control 67 percent of the 18.4 million acres of forestland in the state. If future generations are to share in the beauty, diversity, and productivity of today's forests, many landowners will need to manage all of their forest resources in harmony.

The Importance of North Carolina Forests

North Carolina is blessed with abundant forestland that makes valuable contributions to the quality of life and the state's economy. Forestland is home to wildlife and it is a major source of the state's clean drinking water. It provides a place for recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping. North Carolina's forests are also widely recognized for their scenic value, which strengthens the travel and tourism industries. Forests add to the beauty and quality of life that North Carolinians have come to expect.

North Carolina's forest resources play a significant part in the state's economy through the furniture and forest products industries. One out of every six manufacturing workers depends on the forests for a living, and North Carolina ships over $12 billion worth of manufactured forest products annually. Recreation, travel, and tourism contribute an additional $6.7 billion to the states economy each year. Improving the health of North Carolina's forests and keeping them productive is vital for present and future generations.

Through the North Carolina Forest Stewardship Program, public agencies work together to assist landowners who want to improve their forests. By providing educational, technical, and financial assistance, resource professionals help landowners realize the benefits of being good forest stewards.

What Is Stewardship?

Forest stewardship is the wise use and conservation of all forest resources including wildlife, timber, soil, water, recreational opportunities, and natural beauty. It is a commitment to the land for today and tomorrow. Stewards are proud of their forestland and apply the principles of conservation in managing all of the forest's resources. Forest stewardship

• protects water quality

• improves fish and wildlife habitat

• enhances soil productivity and minimizes erosion

• keeps forests productive and healthy

• enhances natural beauty

• supports recreational activities

The Forest Stewardship Program

The North Carolina Forest Stewardship Program is a cooperative effort to help owners realize the objective of managing their forests for the benefits they desire. The program is voluntary, and participants receive recognition for achievements in promoting total forest resource management. Landowners receive technical assistance in developing a stewardship management plan. The forest stewardship plan is based on the landowner's objectives, and activities are scheduled to enhance the forest for wildlife, soil and water quality, timber production, recreational opportunities, and natural beauty.

The forest stewardship plan is action oriented and follows a time schedule that is compatible with the owner's resources and ability to conduct the work. Recommendations are made by agency and resource professionals, and the landowner then decides which activities to pursue. The recommendations focus on practical modifications of existing conditions rather than costly investment.

Stewardship practices do not need to be expensive to be beneficial. In fact, many landowners already practice good stewardship in many of their management activities. The following lists summarize a few of the many management practices that can help to enhance forest resources.

To promote wildlife:

• Construct brush piles to provide cover

• Protect endangered species

• Plant food and cover plots

• Encourage native vegetation

• Use prescribed burning, mowing, and selective herbicide
  applications to improve wildlife habitat

• Erect nesting structures

• Protect den and mast trees

To improve timber production:

• Use prescribed burning to reduce wildfire hazard and to control hardwoods and brush

• Thin to promote the health and growth of trees

• Improve the timber stand to maintain high value and promote growth of species that enhance wildlife

• Plan for regeneration before harvesting

To conserve soil and water:

• Seed roads and trails to prevent erosion

• Construct proper access roads

• Minimize stream crossings and construct proper structures when required

• Leave streamside buffers to shade streams and to trap sediments and nutrients

• Follow "Best Management Practices"

To enhance recreation and aesthetics:

• Maintain trails for hiking and horseback riding

• Maintain the forest for hunting and wildlife viewing

• Leave buffer strips near roads and other places where they will improve appearance

• Allow access to bird watchers, school and church groups, and sportsmen of your choice

• Favor species with rich fall color and attractive blooms

Program Benefits

Resource Management Plan. The primary benefit of enrolling in the Forest Stewardship Program is the development of a long-range plan for your use in managing your forestland. As a participating landowner, you can have a plan prepared by your county Stewardship Committee, made up of resource agency personnel who know local conditions. An alternative is to have a private natural resources consultant prepare the plan under contract with the Forest Stewardship Program. You can receive up to five person-days of service by agency personnel or receive cost-share assistance for payment of a stewardship consultant approved by the state Stewardship Committee. You are also entitled to assistance in updating your plan at five-year intervals as long as you actively participate in the program.

Cost-Share Assistance. Forest landowners are eligible for many cost-share programs related to forest management, protection, and enhancement, including reforestation and timber stand improvement. After you have an approved stewardship plan, you may be entitled to financial assistance from the Stewardship Incentives Program for eligible practices specified in your plan. More information on the Stewardship Incentives Program is available from agency representatives.

Recognition. After you have made improvements to your forestland, your property will be certified as a Stewardship Forest. You will receive a personal certificate and a large Stewardship Forest sign for display on the property. As a certified forest steward, you will become part of the growing number of landowners recognized for their commitment to the conservation of forest resources.

Model for Exceptional Resource Conservation and Use. Posting of the Stewardship Forest sign and local promotion of the Forest Stewardship Program will acquaint people with the conservation efforts that you have made. The accomplishments of forest stewards can be a model for other landowners to follow. Pride in ownership is contagious. True stewards serve as an example of what is possible on private lands. Therefore, the progress made on a stewardship forest has positive effects on nearby landowners.

Increased Financial Returns. Many landowners can maximize returns from forestland with the aid of professional advice. Forest stewards use proven techniques to increase financial returns while improving the future productivity of the land. Most landowners are concerned with the "bottom line." They want to know how much a particular practice will cost and whether the returns will be worthwhile. Resource professionals can help you avoid pitfalls by recommending less intensive practices that provide excellent returns without excessive cost. By planning before harvesting or conducting management activities, you can achieve multiple benefits and financial returns from your forestland.

Eligibility

The Forest Stewardship Program is open to any nonindustrial, private forest landowner with a minimum of 10 acres of forestland. The plan must encompass the entire tract. However, on farmland the recommendations will focus on the woodlands, forest edges, and associated clearings.

The Landowner's Commitments

The multiagency approach of the Forest Stewardship Program, which includes on-site examinations and the preparation of forest stewardship plans, entails a large commitment of time and resources by state and federal agencies. To ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely, the Forest Stewardship Program requires several commitments by participating landowners. Participants are asked to:

1. Sign the "Stewardship Creed," which endorses the stewardship concept, and pledge to follow their agreed-upon plan;

2. Make a commitment to improve at least three resource areas (wildlife, soil and water, timber, or recreation and aesthetics) and to maintain or protect the remaining resources;

3. Commit all forested land within the tract to stewardship management;

4. Participate in the development of the plan by being present at meetings with agency professionals (or by appointing a representative to attend) to discuss decisions and limitations and to review the final plan.

5. Abide by state and federal laws and regulations that affect forestry activities.

Requesting Assistance

The Forest Stewardship Program is administered locally by a county Stewardship Committee comprising members of the following agencies:

• North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service

• North Carolina Division of Forest Resources

• Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

• North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

• Consolidated Farm Services Agency

• Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

• North Carolina Division of Soil and Water Conservation

Forest Stewardship Creed

I believe the right to own land is among the most treasured and most valued rights of all Americans; and

I believe the ownership of land not only grants me the privilege of pursuing my own goals but also carries the responsibility of good stewardship; and

I believe good stewardship means wise management, not only for now but also for future generations; and

I believe good stewardship of our country's precious natural resources is necessary to the strength and well being of this great nation; and

I believe good stewardship of my forest lands will help provide this country's needs for forest products, for clean air and water, for healthy and thriving populations of fish and wildlife, and for forest-based recreation; and

I believe good stewardship of my forest lands contributes to the natural beauty of North Carolina and guards against soil erosion and the depletion of soil productivity; and

I believe good stewardship also involves protecting my forest lands from insects, diseases, wildfires, and overgrazing.

Therefore, I pledge I will manage my forest lands to protect and improve:

Aesthetics - for all who visit my forest to enjoy, knowing the beauty of a healthy forest contributes immeasurably to our quality of life and the recreation opportunities for myself, my family, friends, and invited guests; and

Environmental quality - through the protection of our country's vital soil, water, and air resources; and

Timber production - to help meet this country's needs for forest products, to provide jobs, and otherwise to promote a healthy economy; and

Wildlife habitat - recognizing that forests and trees play a vital role in the life cycle of all wildlife.