Forestry & Wildlife Management

ATTENTION: THIS SERVICE IS PROVIDED ONLY ON A LIMITED BASIS. DUE TO FUNDING REDUCTIONS WE DO NOT HAVE A PERSON ON STAFF TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO LANDOWNERS. PRINTED INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE.

The Program

The Forestry Assistance Program began on October 1, 1999. The primary goal of this program is to promote the long-term health and sustainability of Michigan's natural resources. Thanks to this program, we now have a forester working in Lenawee county. Our forester provides FREE forest management and limited wildlife management assistance to private landowners.

In southern Michigan about 96% of the land is privately owned. Over the past 150 years, Michigan's natural resources have been threatened by human intervention. However with sound advice and technical assistance from professionals, the private landowner can enhance the forest and other natural resources for future generations.

It is important to note that this program is not intended to compete with the private sector. Our program facilitates the growth of the private sector by working with them. Funding for this program is provided by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and donations from individuals and groups.

What do we do?

1) Forest Management
Do you want a healthy forest that benefits wildlife? Are you interested in the monetary value of your woodlot? We can help you create quality woodland wildlife habitat without sacrificing aesthetics of the forest. Also we can help you find out how to market your timber resources for the best financial gain. Through a site assessment and consultation with the District Forester, you will be advised on management activities that can help you meet your property management goals. We can assist you whether you are interested in tree planting, timber management for income, minimizing insect and disease risks, improving hunting opportunities, bird watching, or countless other management objectives.

2) Wildlife Management

?Do you want to help the wildlife on your property? We can help. Good forest management is also good wildlife management. By taking an active role in the management of your property, you can have a direct impact on the wildlife in your area. There are hundreds of wildlife species in southern Michigan. We can help you develop a plan to manage your property for non-game and/or game wildlife.

.. Non-Game Species - butterflies, bats, songbirds, frogs, dragonflies,
hummingbirds, turtles, and bluebirds.

.. Game Species - deer, pheasants, turkeys, rabbits, ducks, geese, and
squirrels.

3) Provide advice and information on:

.. Selecting the right tree, shrub, grass, or wildflower for reforestation or wildlife habitat.

.. Controlling insects, disease, and wildlife pests for woodlands and wildlife habitat.

.. Programs, agencies, organizations that furnish technical and/or financial assistance for natural resource management.

Who do we help?

ANYBODY. We provide free assistance to any landowner. Whether you are an individual, a conservation group, a hunt club, a corporation, or a branch of government we can help you manage your property. Additionally, it does not matter whether you own 1 acre of 640 acres, we can provide you with information to help you manage your natural resources.

The District Forester covers a multi-county service area and is housed in the Washtenaw County Conservation District office.

You can call the Washtenaw CD at (734) 761-6721 (ext. 5)

or call the Lenawee CD at: (517) 263-7400 (Ext. 3)

Funding provided by: Michigan Dept. of Agriculture Michigan Dept. of
Natural Resources

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Conservation Districts are independent units of state government which have a philosophy and commitment to the stewardship and conservation of the environment. We consult with landowners to educate them in the planning and use of their land. All programs and services are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, marital status, national origin, height, weight, or physical or mental disability.