Forest Management 101

• Assistance / Programs
• BMPs
• Easements
• Forest Health
• Fragmentation
• Native Plants
• Non Timber Products
• Recreation
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• Wildlife

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Wildlife

Wildlife is one of America's most treasured natural resources. Nearly 80 percent of this Nation's wildlife habitat is interspersed over privately owned landscapes. Of these landscapes, 393 million acres are comprised of privately owned forest land. Therefore the refuge of our nations wildlife is largely in the hands of its citizens.

Typically the goal of wildlife management is to attract wildlife by improving the habitat for a species or group of species. Each wildlife species or groups of species have different habitat requirements that they need to live. Wildlife habitat includes water, food, cover, and space. There are many different wildlife management practices, which work best when combined in an integrated approach that is custom tailored to your land and any specific species you have identified that you wish to protect or manage for.

Conversely, depending on a landowner's management objectives, and local conditions, reducing the amount of wildlife can also be of interest. In many Northeastern states, for example, deer populations exceed the land's carrying capacity, putting forest health at risk. There are non-lethal methods of dealing with this situation as well.

Some general habitat management practices for wildlife are:

• Providing brush piles
• Controlling non-native invasive plants
• Providing snags (entirely or partially dead trees)
• Establishing permanent vegetation
• Improving forest edge
• Creating herbaceous forest openings
• Managing spring seeps and ephemeral pools
• Fencing

Before you choose what method is best for your property and objectives, it is best to consult the local service forester or wildlife management specialist in your region for information on technical and financial assistance programs that you qualify for. The ConserveOnline Library for Private Forest Landowners is an important tool as well, which gathers the most current and valuable documents for you. Type any keyword(s) into the search box and you will be taken to ConserveOnline's list of results.

Links

Birds:

• EPA & Bird Conservation
• National Audubon Society
• National Audubon Society Bird Links
• U.S. Shore Bird Conservation Plan
• Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center
• American Bird Conservancy
• Partners In Flight
• American Birding Association

Government:

• US Fish & Wildlife Service
• US Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

For more government information about wildlife, contact your local Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Other:

• The Wildlife Society
• Teaming With Wildlife
• The Wildlife Land Trust
• Wildlife Habitat Council
• Manitoba Wildlife Rehabilitation Organization

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