Private ForestsConnecticut
By Web Admin on 8/3/2005 | Keyword(s): StatesMessage from Stewardship Program
Many people are surprised to learn that 90% of Connecticut's forest land belongs not to the state or federal government, but to individuals and families like you. The Forest Stewardship Program recognizes the importance of these private forest owners by providing them with information, education, and technical assistance in managing their forest land.
No one needs to tell you how beautiful your forest is, or how much cleaner it makes the air and water. No one needs to tell you it's a home for wildlife or that it's a wonderful place to relax and unwind. And no one needs to tell you that, if you wish, it can provide you with firewood for the stove, maple syrup for the table, and lots of other things. If you're like most people, these are the joys and motivations that made you a forest owner in the first place.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that our heirs will be able to enjoy these blessings as we have. In Connecticut today, insects and diseases brought here from other continents are killing forest trees by the thousands. Wildlife species are slowly declining as their habitats change, shrink, and disappear. And with increasing frequency, heirs are forced to sell off timber, or even their land itself, simply to pay estate taxes. As these pressures mount, the future of our forests lie with those who own 90% of them: the private forest landowners.
Stewardship planning can ensure that your heirs will be able to enjoy the forest as you do. A stewardship plan takes the long view, anticipating and watching for problems like foreign insect attacks or unwanted changes in habitat conditions. It can also include estate plans, such as helping your heirs avoid unnecessary estate taxes, or growing some high value timber that can be sold and harvested in an environmentally sound manner when some dollars are really needed.
Stewardship plans protect and enhance your forest, as well as create environmental benefits like clean air, water and wildlife habitat that make the entire community a better place. Your Stewardship Forest sign demonstrates to your family, your friends, and your entire community that you are a responsible and proactive conservationist.
For more information on stewardship call 1-888-309-6637.
State Forestland Statistics:
- Total Forest Land = 1.9 million acres
- Total commercial Forest Land = 1.696 million acres
- Privately owned = 1.416 million acres
- Total State Forest = 165,000 acres
- Total Commercial State Forest = 141,000 acres
- Total County/Municipal Forest = 25,000 acres
- Total Other Forest = 90,000 acres
Stewardship in Connecticut:
- Number of Stewardship Landowners = approximately 300
- Total Stewardship Acres = approximately 40,000
Stewardship Contacts:
Fred Borman
Program Specialist I
CT DEP-Forestry
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Tel: 860/424-3634
Fax: 860/424-4070
Email: fred.borman@po.state.ct.us
Thomas Worthley
Forest Stewardship Coordinator
UCONN CES
PO Box 70
Haddam, CT 06438
Tel: 860/345-4511
Fax: 860/345-3357
Email: tworthle@canr.uconn.edu
Links:
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