The Value of Forest Stewardship

As noted in our last issue, the federal government has cut back its funding for forest management cost sharing. The reductions come when the number of landowners applying for cost-shares is going up. Even if funding had not gone down, it is unlikely that there would have been enough cost share dollars to cover all the eligible practices of the growing number of participants in the Forest Stewardship program.

Faced with the "cost share crunch", you may ask, "Should I invest in forest management activities even if I have to bear the full cost?" The answer is a resounding YES! Timber prices in all categories have steadily increased over the long term, despite short term ups and downs. The increases have generally exceeded the rate of inflation. In other words, relative to many other things in the economic world, trees are worth more today than they were 20, 30, or 40 years ago. With an increasing population and likely decrease in forest land area it is probable that stumpage prices will continue to outpace inflation.

As Florida's urban areas continue to expand, the intrinsic value of other forest resources--wildlife, recreation, aesthetics, clean air and water--also increases. In light of that, investments in forest management objectives other than timber production seem bound to pay off, although the returns are not always measured in dollars.

Another important reason for adopting the Forest Stewardship Program on your land, with or without cost sharing, is the opportunity to get information and assistance from the natural resource professionals who help you develop your management plan.

The Forest Stewardship Program is one of the premier opportunities for non-industrial landowners to sustainably manage their forests--and the nation's forests. Your neighbors, as well as the local tax assessment office, view your involvement as proof of your long-term commitment to sound natural resource management.