Investing in a Management Plan (10/11/09)
We are frequently asked “What is
a management plan?” And
“What does it cost?”
Many are prepared, obviously, as
a requirement for an approval of
an Agricultural Classification
application. A management
plan, however, is also prepared
as a tool for a landowner to
reach his/her ownership
objectives, setting priorities
for management options and
short- and/or long-term
activities. Management
plans are flexible, should be
reviewed every two to five
years, and modified, if
necessary, for changes in owner
objectives, timber markets,
property conditions, etc.
Management plan components
should include most, if not all,
of the following:
1.
The owner’s objectives
2.
Tax identification data,
property location, and
acquisition information
3.
General property description and
access data
4.
Soils information and soil maps,
including technical information
5.
Previous and current owners’
forest management activities
6.
Detailed description by stand
and utilization
7.
Management recommendations and
schedule of forest practice
activities
8.
Aerial photos, maps, stand maps,
etc.
The plan may
also include a variety of
additional information, such as
productivity, yield, and timber
volume and value data, depending
on whether a cruise (inventory)
was requested or required.
A management
plan is a sound investment for
your timberland. It is
also a smart investment in
relation to your savings on ad
valorem taxes. An approved
application for Agricultural
Classification may result in as
much as a 90% decrease in the
tax bill on your land.
When a forester quotes you a fee
for preparation of a management
plan, consider the fee in
comparison to the savings on the
tax bill for about the next five
years…it’s
a good investment indeed!
A
forester will need several hours
of both field and office
time to prepare a full
professional narrative plan,
depending on tract size, number
of timber stands, condition,
etc.
We prepare
professional narrative forest
management plans; contact us now
to schedule a field inspection
and preparation of your
management plan.
