Forest Management Plans

Creating a Roadmap for Your Woodland’s Future

A forest management plan is more than just a document—it’s a strategic roadmap for caring for your woodland and ensuring it remains healthy, productive and aligned with your long-term goals. Whether you own a few acres or manage a large forest, having a plan offers clarity, structure and actionable steps to guide your stewardship decisions.

For many Vermont landowners, a management plan is not only a best practice—it’s a requirement for participating in the Use Value Appraisal (Current Use) Program, which offers property tax reductions for actively managed forestland.

A well-developed forest management plan can help you:

• Qualify for Vermont’s Current Use Program

• Improve wildlife habitat for birds, mammals and pollinators

• Protect clean air and water by maintaining healthy forests

• Support sustainable timber harvesting and long-term productivity

• Enhance recreation opportunities while preserving ecological integrity

What’s in a Forest Management Plan?

A licensed consulting forester works with the landowner to create the plan, taking into account the ecological, economic and cultural aspects of the land. Most forest management plans include:

• Current Conditions – A baseline inventory of tree species, habitat types, and forest health

• Your Management Goals – Wildlife conservation, recreation, timber harvesting, or other priorities

• Recommended Actions – Stewardship steps tailored to achieving your objectives

• Timelines and Best Practices – Guidance on when and how to implement key activities

Forest Management Planning Is an Ongoing Process 

Creating a written plan is just the beginning. Forest management planning is a dynamic, lifelong process that involves observing how your forest changes, evaluating the impact of past actions, and adjusting your strategies as needed. It’s about making informed, thoughtful decisions year after year—whether that means adjusting your goals, responding to new challenges like invasive species or storm damage, or seizing new opportunities for habitat restoration or income generation.