Managing Your Forest
The Florida Forestry Association is committed to providing information and resources to help landowners better manage their forests, both ecologically and economically.
Forestry Wildlife Best Management Practices for State Imperiled Species
A new set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) related to the protection of 16 species of Florida wildlife was officially adopted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) in November 2014. The adoption of the wildlife BMPs for forestry represents the culmination of a multi-year effort directed primarily at proactively protecting a certain group of “imperiled” species so as to strengthen the case that any potential federal listing is not warranted.
Click here for Greenbelt guidelines, a guidance document to help property appraisers correctly apply the Greenbelt law to silvicultural properties.
Recovery of Federally Threatened or Endangered Species
A provision in the 2008 Farm Bill allows taxpayers who are engaged in farming to receive a tax deduction for expenditures paid or incurred for implementing actions benefitting the recovery of federally threatened or endangered (listed) species. Click here for a FAQ.
Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) Safe Harbor Program
Managing habitat for RCWs can be compatible with timber harvesting, cattle production or quail management. Read more about the myths and truth of this endangered species and how it affects the management of your land.
Forest Health Publications
Cogon Grass – One Nasty Weed! Landowners should become more familiar with this invasive plant.
Prescribed Fire Certification
Prescribed Fire Training is available through Hillsborough Community College, as well as Florida certification for experienced burners through the Certified Burner Program.
Cost Share Programs
Forest Legacy Program protects environmentally important forest areas that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. Promotes forest land protection and other conservation opportunities through the use of voluntary conservation easements and fee simple purchases.
Forestry and Wildlife Cost Share Programs provide non-industrial private forest landowners programs to assist them in implementing forestry and wildlife practices.