Good Forestry offers comprehensive guidance for forest landowners & professionals

"After more than two years and many hours of discussion, writing and revision by hundreds of landowners, foresters, loggers, conservation activists and average citizens," the second edition of Good Forestry in the Granite State: Recommended Voluntary Forest Management Practices for New Hampshire is ready for distribution," says Extension Forest Resources Specialist Karen Bennett, who coordinated the project.

New edition reflects advances in knowledge; changes in markets, practices, laws

Originally published in 1997, the revision of Good Forestry incorporates advances in knowledge and changes in forestry markets, practices, and state laws. A 24-member steering committee, representing conservation organizations, state agencies and the forest industry led the revision process.

The guide gives landowners and the professionals who work with them practical recommendations to care for their woodlots.

According to Brad Simpkins, State Forester and director of the N.H. Division of Forests and Lands, "A guide like Good Forestry is important because New Hampshire is 84 percent forested, and most of that forest is owned by private landowners. We depend on these private lands for clean air and water, scenic beauty, recreation, abundant wildlife, and a forest industry that's important to the state's economy. Good Forestry helps private landowners take care of their land."

New Hampshire relies on landowner education, rather than mandates, to keep forests healthy

"Unlike many other heavily forested states, New Hampshire ensures a healthy forest through education, rather than state mandates," says Bennett. New Hampshire law directs the State Forester to develop educational tools to manage 'ecologically sensitive and unique natural features of forestland.' The product of landowners, specialists, and others, Good Forestry is the tool the State Forester developed for landowners, foresters, and loggers to use.

New topics, expansions of those previously covered

"New topics include setting objectives, management plans, estate planning and land protection, staying safe in the woods, choosing the right timber harvesting system, stream crossings, invasive plants, wildlife species of greatest conservation need, steep slopes, forest products, maple sugaring, and ecosystem-services markets," Bennett says.

"We've also expanded topics covered in the first edition, notably those related to silviculture (the art and science of growing trees), vernal pools, and riparian forests (forests along rivers). Knowledge gained from the N.H. Wildlife Action Plan was incorporated into the wildlife-related chapters."

Tim Fleury, Extension forest resources educator in Merrimack County, says he's excited about the new version. "Good Forestry in the Granite State gives background and practical tips to help landowners interested in taking care of their land," he says.

"It starts out encouraging landowners to think about what they want for their land and encourages them to develop some objectives and a plan and to work with professionals. Good Forestry isn't a cookbook for woodlot management. It says the actions of a landowner can be based on landowner interests, looking at the land, and getting help."

How to get your copy

Good Forestry is a 225-page guide, in a three-ring binder format. Each copy comes with a cd.

An online version is available free at www.goodforestry.org, as well as links for ordering print copies of the book. You can call 800-444-8978 to order a copy.

"We hope the guide will be used as an on-the-ground reference for day-to-day decision-making," says Bennett. "It's a must-read for all forest landowners and the professionals who work with them."