Message from Stewardship Program

Private non-industrial forest landowners (PNIF's) own almost half of the state's forestlands, and present the greatest opportunity for making improvements to the supply and condition of the state's forest resources. These landowners are motivated by various environmental, economic and intrinsic goals. Unfortunately, they also tend to have limited knowledge of the possible alternatives for managing their forestlands or where to obtain technical assistance to help them realize their objectives.

The Division of Forestry can assist landowners by introducing them to the Forest Stewardship Program. Landowners who choose to enter this program will receive the following benefits:

• A meeting on their property with a team of resource professionals that will contribute to the development of the plan.
• A customized management plan that is based on the landowner's objectives. The plan will include forest stand characteristics, property maps, management recommendations, and a five-year time line for future planning.
• A loose-leaf binder organized to be the landowner's one source of information for managing their property.
• Documentation of active management on the property that may help reduce tax liability.
• A quarterly Stewardship newsletter developed and distributed by the University of Florida, IFAS Cooperative Extension Service.
• An opportunity for future public recognition as a certified "Forest Steward" and the peace of mind in knowing that their property is being managed in a sustainable manner.

State Forestland Statistics:

• Total forested= 14.6 million acres
• Privately owned= 7.2 million acres
• Industry= 4.6 million acres
• Government=2.8 million acres

Stewardship in Florida:

• Number of stewardship plans=1,381
• Acres covered by stewardship plans=445,322

Links:

• Florida Division of Forestry
• University of Florida - Forestry Information
• University of Florida, Extension Service
• Southern Region Extension Forestry
• Forest Health Protection, Southern Region
• EPA: Global Warming Impacts on Florida
• The Nature Conservancy, Florida Chapter
• State Forests of Florida
• National Forests in Florida

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