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Forest Stewardship

A photo of a barn in the fall, foliage colors orange and red and brown.
Private forest lands benefit us all. They provide clean air and water, habitat for fish and wildlife, forest products, and recreational opportunities. (Photo credit: Steve Neel)

Did you know that more than half of the forest land in the United States is owned and managed by some 11 million private forest owners?

The Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) provides assistance to owners of forest land where good stewardship, including agroforestry practices, will enhance and sustain multiple forest resources and contribute to healthy and resilient landscapes. The program also helps create jobs in rural communities by sustaining local markets for forest products and increasing demand for qualified private forestry consultants and state field foresters.

The Forest Stewardship Program focuses on three main areas:

  • Assisting landowners to actively manage their land and related resources

  • Keeping land in a productive and healthy condition for present and future owners

  • Increasing the economic benefits of land (timber harvesting, for example) while conserving the natural environment

There are currently more than 25 million acres being managed under Forest Stewardship Plans. 

Contact Us

 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/private-land/forest-stewardship