How the Forest Stewardship Program Works

"A photo of misty stream." — Forested streams provide tranquility, fish, and wildlife habitat and protect our drinking water. Photo credit: David Whiteman.

The Forest Stewardship Program of the U.S. Forest Service works in partnership with state forestry agencies, cooperative extension, and conservation districts to connect private landowners with the information and tools they need to manage their forests and woodlands. Actively managed forests provide timber, fuel wood, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, recreational opportunities, and many other benefits. They also benefit adjacent National Forest System lands by creating healthier, more resilient landscapes overall.

What is a Forest Stewardship Plan?

The Forest Stewardship Program also offers resources to help landowners develop a forest management plan (also known as a Forest Stewardship Plan). As a private landowner, you may be concerned about keeping your land productive and healthy now and into the future. You may want to increase its economic value while protecting water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and natural beauty. You can accomplish all these objectives by using a Forest Stewardship Plan to identify your goals for your land and the management activities needed to meet them.