Trying to find a forester to write a new, or update a current, management plan to include wildlife and bird friendly aspects? Email hyoung@maineaudubon.org for a list of foresters who have attended our Forestry for Maine Birds workshops.
Landowner guidebook: The Woodland Owner’s Guide to Forestry for Maine Birds
Priority bird trading cards– Maine Audubon has identified 20 forest bird species of high conservation priority based on declining populations, growing risks and threats, and/or the relatively large portion of their global populations found in the Northeast. These 20 species use a variety of different forest types and habitats for feeding and nesting, and are relatively simple to identify by sight and/or sound. Keep Audubon’s 20 priority bird species in your pocket with our priority bird trading cards.
Managing Your Woodlot With Birds and Wildlife in Mind – Hoping to learn more about managing your woodland with birds and wildlife in mind? Consult this fact sheet.
Considerations for Birds and Wildlife on Your Woodland checklist– Use this checklist to organize your next steps in providing birds and other wildlife what they need to thrive in your woods.
My Land Plan – a program of the American Forest Foundation – can help you explore and discover techniques for managing your woods. Easy-to-use tools guide you to map your land, set goals, keep a journal and connect with woodland owners and foresters. They also have wildlife-specific tips to help you create better homes for more wildlife on your land.
Technical and Financial Assistance – The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a federal agency that works with landowners to provide them with the resources they need to care for their land. They offer programs to landowners such as technical assistance and even financial assistance. Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), landowners receive assistance creating Conservation Activity Plans (CAPs), specialized plans that address a specific natural resource need. With a CAP plan in hand, landowners can also receive financial assistance to implement the plans as well. Learn more about CAP plans here.
The Maine Forest Service provides tools focused on protecting the state’s forest resources for many generations to come. They even have a vast list of resources for woodland owners that provides information on forest management, forest health, forest protection, rules and regulations, and more. Be sure to check out their Be Woods Wise program that provides free advice for woodland owners and partial funding for writing forest management plans.
Learn from your neighbors with Maine Forest Service’s Profiles of Woodland Stewardship to see examples of how other Maine landowners have incorporated stewardship activities on their land.
Get an idea of what your woods will look like after certain types of habitat enhancement and harvesting activities by perusing this recently published Maine Forest Service booklet: What Will My Woods Look Like? Before and After Harvesting.
MAINE WOODLAND OWNERS
Maine Woodland Owners – formerly Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine (SWOAM) – works with woodland owners throughout Maine to promote stewardship of Maine’s natural resources, provide information for better forest management, and education and advocacy for Maine’s woodland owners.
Check out Maine Woodland Owners extensive collection of landowner resources that covers topics such as forest insects, forest management, forest threats, land trusts, legislation, succession planning, wildlife, and more.
TREE GROWTH TAX LAW PROGRAM
The state of Maine has a current use program known as the Maine Tree Growth Tax Law program that makes it more affordable to be a woodland owner.
MAINE TREE FARM PROGRAM
The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) is the oldest and largest forest conservation, certification, and advocacy program in the United States. They support landowners interested in managing their woodlands for wildlife, water, wood, and recreation. Learn more about the Maine Tree Farm Program and the benefits of joining.