Healthy forests begin with thoughtful planning and long-term management, according to Charley E. Williams, a University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff alumnus and member of UAPB’s Keeping it in the Family (KIITF) Sustainable Forestry Program.
Williams, a veteran Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil conservationist, said many small forest landowners underestimate the importance of developing a forest management plan early, often waiting until problems become costly or difficult to reverse.
“The starting point in determining which conservation practices to install – and one of the most important decisions a landowner can make – is understanding the productive potential of the forest land,” Williams said.
The KIITF program provides forestry management assistance to small acreage landowners. The program helps landowners address common forest management concerns while encouraging long-term sustainability and productivity.
Williams said that successful forest management begins with understanding the site’s capabilities and establishing clear management objectives before implementing practices.
“In preparation to make site visits with KIITF customers, a conversation is held to get management objectives to help provide management recommendations,” he said. “Too often, the site is clear cut and then allowed to repopulate naturally without adequate spacing or tree species composition having a valuable commercial economic return.”
He said that allowing forests to regenerate without proper planning can create long-term issues that reduce forest health and future economic value. According to Williams, these situations often require multiple forest management practices later to improve conditions and restore productivity.
The absence of a forest management plan can negatively affect future forest growth potential and increase the financial burden on landowners over time.
Williams also encouraged landowners to take advantage of available forestry assistance programs and conservation resources designed to reduce costs and improve sustainability.
“Forest landowners interested in getting information on forest management are encouraged to contact the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Forestry Division and request a Forest Stewardship Plan,” Williams said. “The forestry management practices are designed to help meet the goals and objectives of the landowner.”
In addition to technical guidance, financial assistance may also be available through federal conservation programs administered by the NRCS, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program.
“These programs provide financial assistance to install conservation practices on private land, helping lower the cost of implementing sustainable forest management practices,” Williams said.
The Keeping it in the Family Program at UAPB works with small landowners to support sustainable forestry, land retention and conservation education across Arkansas. For more information about the program or to get involved, contact Kandi Williams, KIITF outreach coordinator, at [email protected].
