Gabe Krantz, of the Highland Mountain area in Overton County, recently had his woodlands certified under the Forest Stewardship Program. Mr. Krantz has installed wildlife food plots, applied herbicides to invasive and exotic species in his woodlands, and repaired eroding roads on his property. (photo submitted)

Forest stewardship involves sustainably managing woodlands in order to maintain their biodiversity, health, productivity, regeneration ability, and potential for meeting landowner goals, while not damaging the forest ecosystem.

The Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF) assist landowners in their forest stewardship and is available to provide technical assistance and develop comprehensive, multi-resource management plans that provide landowners with the information they need in order to manage their forests for a variety of products and services.

Actively managed forests provide timber, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, recreational opportunities, specialty forest products, and many other benefits for landowners and society. Forest Stewardship plans motivate landowners to become more active in planning and managing their forests, greatly increasing the likelihood that their forests will remain intact, productive, and healthy.

Participation in the Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) is open to any non-industrial private forest landowners who are committed to the active management of their wooded properties.

To take part in the FSP contact the Tennessee Division of Forestry’s area forester at 931-823-2428 or [email protected].