Developing Land Management Goals and Objectives
If you've taken the steps to map and walk your forested land, then you're on your way to a well thought out management plan. You should take great pride in having part of Kentucky's wonderful woodlands under your management direction.
Whether you purchased or inherited your land, you've probably given a lot of thought to the possibilities it provides: wildlife habitat, income potential and various types of recreation. One of the biggest challenges of developing management objectives will be to prioritize your interests in the forest's many uses. It's also important to discuss your wishes with your family; especially if you would like them to take a part in seeing through your long term vision of the forest.
A values assessment is really just a matter of thinking through and writing down what land and water features are important to you and why. It will help you (along with a forester or other professional) chart a course of action that meets your needs and desires now and into the future.
Tools are available to help with your values assessment. Even if you plan on working with a professional forester, these activities will be very helpful in both thinking through and communicating your objectives.
Prioritizing your Objectives lists various activities and a range of income-producing options. It should be helpful in thinking through your current needs and long-term desires. Think of this stage as the why portion of your management plan.
The Family Resource Inventory asks questions that will be helpful in determining if your long term goals and objectives are achievable given resources you have at hand. Your daughter and son-in-law with six kids may not have time to help you map and inventory all 130 acres. Likewise, if your son is an ATV enthusiast you may consider permanent stream crossings to protect stream dwellers like small mouth bass.
When assessing the tangible and intangible values of your property, it's important to remember that in time, both types of value will increase. With each passing year and good management, your trees will increase in size, wildlife will be more abundant, soil conditions can improve and you’ll see more opportunities for recreation.
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