Forestry Administration: Overseeing and Governance of Forest Land and Resources

Forest management is a strategic approach to caring for and managing forests to achieve the landowner's objectives. This process involves the application of technical forestry principles, practices, and business techniques.

The planning process for forest management begins with identifying the landowner's objectives. These objectives can range from a source of income, tax shelter, or product yield, to soil stabilization, aesthetics, or preservation. Some landowners may focus on a single objective, known as dominant-use management, while others may aim for multiple objectives, known as multiple-use management.

Once the objectives are clear, an inventory of resources is conducted. This inventory includes measuring tree/forest characteristics such as tree species, condition, numbers, age, volume, value, growth, and basal area, and evaluating soil/site quality. Other resources that may be inventoried include boundaries, wildlife, wildlife habitat, streams, trails, roads, campsites, vistas, and easements.

The inventory data are analyzed to determine what is present and what the forest site is capable of producing. Based on the objectives and resource inventory, a management strategy is developed. This strategy outlines the management activities to be carried out, such as timber cuttings, tree plantings, prescribed burning, and the use of specific chemicals.

The forest management plan is an evolving document that should be periodically reviewed and updated, with intervals between reviews and updates recommended to be no more than five to 10 years. Changes in ownership objectives, forest inventory, technology, and/or the business climate can all result in the need for modification of a forest management plan.

It's important to note that management activities are constrained by what is socially and politically desirable, avoiding activities that violate the law or upset neighbors. Economic/financial considerations may determine which activities are feasible, and silvicultural activities must contribute positively in the appropriate economic/financial analysis.

The careful development of a forest management plan in consultation with a professional forester is essential. In Ohio, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry is responsible for the development and implementation of forest management plans.

In some cases, activities that may have little or no expected financial return, such as the development of hiking trails, vistas, or wildlife habitat, may still be pursued due to expected non-financial returns. Fertilization of hardwood woodlands in Ohio, while ecologically possible, may not be a financially attractive silvicultural alternative due to potential returns.

Limited financial or organizational resources may restrict management activities in a woodland. However, even with these limitations, a well-planned forest management strategy can help ensure the health, vigor, and production of desired products and amenities from the forest.