The human relationship with the natural world is ancient, complex, and difficult to accurately define. But one thing remains the same, we are as dependent on Earth’s resources now as we ever were. Also true for many of us is a more non-tangible need to be close to the land or to maintain a connection to the environment, a  sense of place. According to survey data from the University of Minnesota and Minnesota DNR this is especially true for folks who choose to own rural properties in the forested areas of Minnesota. For many of these landowners, their bond with the land is a relationship as close as any human friendship, and their dedication to preserving the natural beauty and ecological functions that make their land a benefit to neighboring properties, watersheds, and the surrounding landscape as a whole is what makes a Forest Steward. Forest stewardship is not simply owning, but also a promise to the next generation that you will care for the land in a way that will maintain and improve your portion of the Minnesota forest for the future. In turn, practicing forest stewards are rewarded with a deep knowledge of the natural mechanisms that make a forest function and a better understanding of how to sustainably harvest resources from it.

That’s where we can help. Minnesota has one of the most engaging and valuable private landowner forest stewardship programs in the country. This, paired with a broad network of professional conservationists dedicated to assisting landowners to achieve their property goals, makes it a straightforward and worthwhile investment.

The first step is making a plan. This process is easy to initiate thanks to the MN DNR’s Forest Stewardship Planning program. See the description of this program and how we can help make it happen on our “Forest Planning” tab within this page.

There are countless projects that a forest steward may use to improve, maintain, or protect their land. Benefits or goals for these projects can include wildlife habitat improvements, increased timber value, additional plant diversity, climate change or forest health resiliency, etc… Just as every property is unique, so will be every project. The best way to develop customized projects that take into account the species composition, soils, topography, historical land use, and landowner goals of your property is through a Forest Stewardship Plan designed for this purpose (see the Forest Planning tab for more information).  Described below are a few of the most common projects that landowners pursue to improve the natural resources and build conservation equity on their lands.