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<BIG><B><A HREF="#Foot" TARGET="main">Cynthia Olmstead, Mary Duryea, William
Hubbard and Delaney Faircloth<SUP>1</SUP></A></B></BIG>
<P>
<BIG><B>1994, 1997<BR>
SS-FOR-8</B></BIG>
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<B><BIG>Benefits of Forestry Assistance Programs</BIG></B>
<P>
Forestry and stewardship assistance can provide individuals with opportunities
to improve timber management practices, introduce additional forest management
practices, increase the value, enhance the beauty, and improve the productivity
of their forestland.
<P>
Recent studies have shown that active, on-site help from foresters can increase
financial returns significantly when a forest is harvested. Studies have
also shown that assistance can improve the quality of forestland in relation
to many other resources.
<P>
A forester can help manage forestland by assisting in planning; advising
as to forest management practices; providing information on forestry assistance
programs, tax laws, and contracting services; and recommending multiple-use
forestry opportunities.
<P>
Forestry assistance programs such as the Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP),
Florida Reforestation Incentives Program (FRIP), Forestry Incentive Program
(FIP), Agricultural Conservation Program (ACP), and other landowner assistance
programs can make forest management an affordable option. Landowners can
contact their county forester or county extension agent for information on
forestry assistance programs and opportunities.
<P>
<P>
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<P>
<B><BIG>Why Assistance?</BIG></B>
<P>
Do you ever wonder whether the trees on your forestland could make you money?
Would you like to establish a forest on your idle cropland? Have you ever
considered managing for wildlife, recreation, or hunting? Do you have resources
available on your forestland for multiple-use sources of income such as fee
fishing, forest grazing, or pine-straw production? Do you know what current
rules and regulations govern certain timber management practices?
<P>
Do some of these questions interest you? Then you need to know what kind
of assistance can help you answer these questions: What is the best way to
regenerate, harvest, or introduce management for wildlife, recreation, range
or soil and water conservation?
<P>
If you are a landowner this publication may be helpful in providing information
on ways to:
<UL>
<LI>
Obtain financial assistance such as cost sharing and reimbursement for forestry
practices and forest stewardship practices.
<LI>
Obtain technical assistance for developing management plans, and implementing
forest management practices.
<LI>
Contact agencies, associations and individuals for more information.
</UL>
<P>
<P>
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<P>
<BIG><B>How a Forester Can Help Meet Land Management Objectives</B></BIG>
<P>
A forester can increase the value of a forest stand through such practices
as timber-stand improvement (see
<A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8f.htm" TARGET="main">Glossary</A>)
and long-term forest stewardship strategies. With a team of specialists,
a forester can formulate a long-term management plan for your forestland
(<I><B>Figure 1 Below</B></I>).
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<IMG SRC="for8f1.gif" WIDTH="414" HEIGHT="562">
<P>
The plan includes your goals and objectives, and a timetable for managing
timber, wildlife, recreation, range, soil and water and plans for assistance.
A forester can inventory and evaluate your forest stand: its quantity and
value of existing timber and other resources, and the production potential
of the land itself for forest resource production. A forester can suggest
practices that will deter damage to both soil and water quality, and thereby
prolong the productivity of your forest stand.
<P>
Other services? Assistance in all phases of reforestation: site preparation,
purchase of seedlings, planting, and survival evaluation (see
<A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8f.htm" TARGET="main">Glossary</A>).
Professional assistance with reforestation can ensure the success of newly
established forest stands. (For more information on reforestation, see Duryea
and Edwards 1987). A forester can assist you in all phases of the harvest:
timber marking (see
<A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8f.htm" TARGET="main">Glossary</A>),
administering the sale, supervising the harvest, etc. A forester can insure
that you receive the highest dollar returns for your timber, and that your
land and remaining resources are not damaged in the process.
<P>
A forester is an excellent source for the most up-to-date information on
how you may qualify for forestry assistance programs, how tax laws will affect
you as a forestland owner, and the procedures of buying and selling land.
A forester can show you ways to provide for non-timber returns from your
forest stand: in the form of alternative sources of income or simply personal
interests. Some multiple-use options are management for recreation, wildlife
habitat, hunting leases, and fee fishing, forest grazing, firewood and pine-straw
production.
<P>
<P>
<HR COLOR=Teal SIZE=6>
<P>
<BIG><B>Forestry Assistance is Essential to the Productivity of a Forest
Stand</B></BIG>
<P>
Recent studies have shown that professional forestry assistance (such as
that provided by the Florida Division of Forestry [DOF]) positively affects
the productivity of privately-owned forest stands (Hubbard and AN 1988; Cubbage,
Skinner, and Risbrudt 1985). Hubbard and Abt's Florida study found that active
on-site assistance increases returns to landowners of high valued stands
(<B><I>Figure 2 Below</I></B>).
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<IMG SRC="for8f2.gif" WIDTH="400" HEIGHT="408">
<P>
Similarly, the Cubbage, et al. study in Georgia found that landowners with
Timber marked by state service foresters received significantly higher stumpage
values (see
<A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8f.htm" TARGET="main">Glossary</A>)
and had significantly larger residual softwood volume. (Assisted tracts had
a net present value over $600 per acre higher than unassisted tracts, using
a four percent discount rate.)
<P>
In effect, management of your forest stand by a forester may significantly
increase your financial returns. Unmanaged stands are often unable to produce
high-quality timber because of competition from undesirable species and
overstocking of trees. Foresters can help improve or establish your forest
stand, and also suggest multiple-use practices that can provide alternative
sources of income to help offset forest management costs.
<P>
<P>
<HR COLOR=Teal SIZE=6>
<P>
<B><BIG>Using Available Assistance for Your Purposes</BIG></B>
<P>
There are several programs available to Florida landowners specifically designed
to alleviate costs associated with establishing and improving a forest stand.
These programs offer reimbursement and/or cost-sharing for private landowners
who wish to implement forest management practices
(<A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/img/for8f3.gif" TARGET="_top">Figure
3</A>).
<P>
Florida currently has three federal forestry and one private program that
provide financial assistance for private landowners. The Stewardship Incentive
Program (SIP), Forestry Incentives Program (FIP), and Agricultural Conservation
Program (ACP) are federal programs; the Florida Reforestation Incentive Program
(FRIP) is privately sponsored. Other programs that may offer forestry assistance
at reduced cost are landowner assistance programs sponsored by forest industries.
Each will be discussed in detail in the next section.
<P>
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<BIG><BIG>FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS</BIG></BIG>
<P>
Each of the forestry assistance programs available to forestland owners in
Florida has specific goals and guidelines for eligibility. If you are eligible,
it could be extremely beneficial to participate in one or more of the programs,
as most offer reimbursement (see
<A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8f.htm" TARGET="main">Glossary</A>)
or cost-sharing of expenses incurred with forest management.
<P>
<B><A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8tbl1.htm" TARGET="_top">Table
1</A></B> is a summary of the requirements, assistance offered, and regulating
agencies for each program. If you wish to obtain more information about these
programs or would like to enroll your forest acreage in the programs, a list
of contacts is located near the end of this information.
<P>
Please note: Forestry practices initiated without prior written approval
by the Division of Forestry are not eligible for reimbursement or cost-sharing.
<P>
<P>
<IMG SRC="blt1.gif" WIDTH="13" HEIGHT="13" ALIGN="Middle"><BIG><B>Florida
Stewardship or Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP)</B></BIG>
<P>
The Florida Forest Stewardship Program, initiated in 1989, encourages
multiple-use management on the vast acreage of private nonindustrial forestlands
of Florida. The program is designed to help Floridians manage their forestland
for a variety of natural resource interests: timber production, wildlife
management, recreation, livestock grazing, and soil and water conservation.
<P>
Stewardship is based upon the strategy of multiple-use land management. With
the help of private and public natural resource professionals, a landowner
develops a multiple-resource management plan designed to increase the
forestland's economic value in a socially and environmentally responsible
manner. Forest stewardship aims to maintain and maximize long-term forest
productivity without sacrificing the ecology of the woodlands. Each management
plan is designed to meet an individual landowner's specific needs and objectives.
<P>
Five agencies and organizations work together providing technical assistance
and program implementation: Florida Division of Forestry (DOF); Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS); Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Cooperative Extension Service (IFAS-CES); Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish
Commission (FGFWFC); and the Florida Forestry Association (FFA). In addition,
private natural resource consultants participate in the program operations.
<P>
Who is eligible? Any private, nonindustrial landowner with a minimum of 25
acres of forestland. Through the Stewardship Incentives Program (SIP), funds
are available for up to 50 percent of the costs of some practices -- up to
a maximum payment of $5,000 per year per owner. Cost-shared activities must
be completed within 18 months. Landowners are expected to follow Best Management
Practices and strive to maintain SIP implemented practices for at least ten
years.
<P>
<B>Forestry Stewardship and SIP Sign-Up</B>
<OL>
<LI>
Landowner is nominated to any participating agency by: resource professionals,
agency representatives, another landowner, or by self.
<LI>
A forest management plan is developed with help from a team of natural resource
professionals.
<LI>
Landowner is enrolled in the Program by signing the "Forest Steward Landowner's
Creed" which is a pledge to be faithful land steward.
<LI>
Landowner receives technical assistance for development of a multiple-resource
management plan and implements plan.
<LI>
Forestland is inspected and approved by a Forest Stewardship team.
<LI>
Landowner becomes a certified Forest Steward and receives a certificate,
and a sign for the forestland.
</OL>
<P>
<P>
<IMG SRC="blt1.gif" WIDTH="13" HEIGHT="13" ALIGN="Middle"><BIG><B>Forestry
Incentives Program (FIP)</B></BIG>
<P>
The Forestry Incentives Program (FIP) was established to increase the nation's
commercial timber (see
<A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8f.htm" TARGET="main">Glossary</A>)
supply from non-industrial, private forestlands; by providing financial
incentives for planting, natural regeneration (see
<A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8f.htm" TARGET="main">Glossary</A>),
and timber stand improvement practices (USDA 1980). By doing this, the goal
to "preserve and improve the environment" through sound land management would
also be reached. This federal cost-share program is administered by county
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices.
<P>
Eligibility is limited to private individuals, groups, associations, and
corporations with 10 to 1000 acres (up to 5000 acres with state NRCS waiver)
of forestland. (Forest-product companies or public utility companies are
ineligible.) The land must be suitable for forestation, reforestation, or
improved forest management, and must be capable of producing commercial timber
products (minimum productivity standards are established by Florida's DOF).
<P>
FIP cost-sharing (see
<A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8f.htm" TARGET="main">Glossary</A>)
of 65 percent of costs per practice is available for planting, timber stand
improvement, and site preparation for natural regeneration (see
<A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8f.htm" TARGET="main">Glossary</A>),
up to $10,000 per fiscal year per applicant. An approved management plan
is required, and landowners must observe established Best Management Practices.
These management practices must be maintained for a minimum of 10 years
(recapture clause, see
<A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8f.htm" TARGET="main">Glossary</A>).
<P>
<B>Process for FIP Sign-Up</B>
<OL>
<LI>
An eligible landowner applies for the FIP program at the local NRCS office.
A county forester then inspects your acreage and affirms that you qualify
for the practice, and that the practice is needed.
<LI>
A forest management plan for the acreage applied for needs approval by the
county forester, and a copy is provided to the NRCS office. The county forester
can assist you in writing the forest management plan, ensuring that it will
qualify for the cost-sharing program.
<LI>
When the plan is approved, the county forester provides technical advice
and refers you to other sources for technical forestry services for planting,
site preparation, and timber stand improvement assistance.
<LI>
Implementation of new practices may begin after receiving approval from the
NRCS office.
<LI>
The county forester will inspect the acreage to insure that the practice
was completed satisfactorily, and the cost-share payments will then be processed
by the NRCS office.
</OL>
<P>
<P>
<B><BIG><IMG SRC="blt1.gif" WIDTH="13" HEIGHT="13" ALIGN="Middle">Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)</BIG></B>
<P>
The Agricultural Conservation Program (ACP) was a federal program that
was the primary national soil conservation program for the past 50 years.
Its main objective was established through incentives for better land-use
management including: cost sharing for tree planting, site preparation for
natural regeneration, and timber-stand improvement. ACP also promoted
increasing the nation's timber supply, and promoted land stewardship through
the use of long-term forest management. The 1996 Farm Bill combined
ACP with three other conservation programs in the new Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP).
<P>
Unlike some other programs, ACP/EQIP has no minimum acreage requirement or
forest management plan requirement for eligibility. Best Management Practices
are required, and landowners must meet practice and performance standards
established by DOF. The ten-year recapture clause mentioned with the FIP
program also applies to ACP/EQIP. The maximum cost-share rate is 75 percent
per practice, and the maximum earnings are $10,000 per fiscal year.
<P>
<B>Procedures for ACP /EQIP Sign-Up</B>
<P>
The procedures are similar to the HP program, and are administered by the
NRCS and FSA.
<P>
<P>
<B><BIG><IMG SRC="blt1.gif" WIDTH="13" HEIGHT="13" ALIGN="Middle">Florida
Reforestation Incentives Program (FRIP)</BIG></B>
<P>
This program (funded through contributions from forest-products companies,
related industries, and private sponsors) is sponsored by the Florida Forestry
Association to encourage private landowners to plant trees.
<P>
The primary assistance offered is reimbursement for the cost of pine seedlings
used in reforestation. Landowners can sign up at their county Farm Service
Agency (FSA) office.
<P>
To qualify, the forestland must be owned by a private individual, group,
association, or corporation and be a minimum of 10-acres in size. Forest-product
industries or utility service organizations are ineligible. Landowners receiving
Forestry Incentives Program (FIP), Agricultural Conservation Program (ACP),
or Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments are ineligible for FRIP for
the same fiscal year within the same county.
<P>
An approved management plan or prescription is required for reimbursement.
The maximum, current reimbursement is for 60,000 pine seedlings ordered from
the Florida Division of Forestry. Only bareroot seedlings (see
<A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8f.htm" TARGET="main">Glossary</A>)
of the following species apply: Improved (north Florida) Slash Pine, Loblolly
Pine, Choctawhatchee Sand Pine, Rust-Resistant Loblolly Pine, and Longleaf
Pine. Delivery fees are not reimbursable; and reimbursement is not allowed
for seedling orders placed prior to FRIP sign-up.
<P>
<B>Process for FRIP Sign-Up</B>
<OL>
<LI>
Landowners must first sign-up on a list at their county FSA office, then
obtain and sign a Seedling Reimbursement Agreement.
<LI>
The county forester will consult with each landowner following sign-up to
ensure he or she meets the eligibility requirements.
<LI>
If the landowner qualifies, a county forester inspects the acreage, verifying
that there is a management plan or prescription for the acreage. If needed,
the forester writes a management plan or prescription at no charge to the
landowner.
<LI>
The signed Seedling Reimbursement Agreement indicates a certification of
need, and the forester assists the landowner in applying for seedlings.
<LI>
After seedling delivery and planting, the county forester inspects the site,
ensuring it meets satisfactory planting requirements. Then the forester certifies
the compliance portion of the Seedling Reimbursement agreement.
<LI>
Reimbursements will be processed in sign-up order chronologically; it may
be six to eight weeks following planting before the landowner receives the
check.
</OL>
<P>
<P>
<BIG><B><IMG SRC="blt1.gif" WIDTH="13" HEIGHT="13" ALIGN="Middle">Industry
Assistance Programs</B></BIG>
<P>
Forest-products companies also offer forestry management assistance programs
to landowners. Benefits of may include: free seedlings, technical assistance
at a reduced cost, and long-term forest management planning. Costs of these
assistance programs vary, some are offered at little or no cost to the landowner.
However, restrictions such as the "right of first refusal" (see
<A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8f.htm" TARGET="main">Glossary</A>)
on timber sales, a minimum tract size, or a maximum distance from the mill
may apply (Cubbage and Hodges 1986). For more information concerning forest
industry landowner assistance programs, contact your local DOF office, the
Florida Forestry Association or the Forest Farmers Association; (see reference
list for addresses).
<P>
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<BIG><BIG>INDIVIDUAL, AGENCY, AND OTHER FORESTRY ASSISTANCE</BIG></BIG>
<P>
<B><A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for8tbl2.htm" TARGET="_top">Table
2 </A></B>briefly summarizes the forestry assistance offered by individuals,
agencies, and other sources.
<P>
<IMG SRC="blt1.gif" WIDTH="13" HEIGHT="13" ALIGN="Middle"><BIG><B>Individuals
Offering Forestry Assistance</B></BIG>
<P>
<DL>
<DT>
<B>County Forester</B>
<DD>
Foresters with the DOF provide information and technical assistance to
landowners. A county forester can help you write a management plan; provide
information about assistance programs, tax laws, and contracts; and recommend
technical services for tree planting, timber stand improvement, and harvesting.
The forester also knows how to get you involved in the Forest Stewardship
Program. DOF foresters are limited to three days of technical assistance
per landowner per year.
<DT>
<DT>
<B>County Extension</B>
<DD>
Agent County extension agents with the Cooperative Extension Service are
forestry and agricultural experts who hold education programs for landowners;
provide forestry publications; and refer landowners to other forestry-related
services and agencies.
<DT>
<DT>
<B>Forestry Extension Specialists</B>
<DD>
These specialists at the University of Florida transfer forestry research
results and information; hold educational programs for foresters, county
agents, and landowners; and research important forestry questions.
<DT>
<DT>
<B>Consulting Forester</B>
<DD>
Consulting foresters provide technical advice and assistance in all phases
of forest management for a specified fee or under contract. Although consultants
generally have a broad knowledge of forestry practices, most tend to specialize
in one area of forest management. Remember to check the consultant's credentials
and make sure that at least one degree is in a forestry-related field. It
would be beneficial to "shop around" for the consultant who can best meet
your forest management needs. Names of individual consultants, consulting
firms, and forest-industry consultants are available through your county
forester.
</DL>
<P>
Individual consultants and consulting firms are available for every aspect
of forest management, and provide excellent on-site technical forestry
assistance. In addition, consultants are aware of changing market conditions,
and can provide management plans to maximize financial returns and multiple-use
benefits from your forestland. Costs for services is usually on an hourly
or daily basis (Cubbage and Hodges 1986). The DOF or the Association of
Consulting Foresters can recommend qualified private consultants for your
individual needs.
<P>
Industry consultants are available for the same range of services, and often,
are provided through industry-sponsored landowner assistance programs (see
above).
<P>
<P>
<BIG><B><IMG SRC="blt1.gif" WIDTH="13" HEIGHT="13" ALIGN="Middle">Agencies
Offering Forestry Assistance</B></BIG>
<P>
<DL>
<DT>
<B>Florida Division of Forestry (DOF)</B>
<DD>
This is the state forestry agency within the Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services. DOF employs county foresters who aid landowners, and
help administer programs such as the Forest Stewardship's SIP Program, FRIP,
FIP, and ACP. County offices provide landowners with information, technical
advice and assistance, and recommendations for technical services. State
nurseries provide planting stock for reforestation. To contact the DOF office
in your county, look under the blue "Government Offices-state" section in
your phone directory. DOF is listed under the "Agriculture and Consumer Services"
column of these blue pages.
<P>
<DT>
<B>Farm Service Agency (FSA)</B>
<DD>
This is the primary agency for administering SIP, FIP, ACP, and FRIP funds.
Local FSA offices are the sign-up locations for these forestry assistance
programs. These offices can also refer you to other agencies for specific
forest management assistance. To contact the FSA office in your county, look
under the blue "Government Offices-U.S." section in your phone directory.
FSA is listed under the "Agriculture-Dept of" column of this section.
<P>
<DT>
<B>Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)</B>
<DD>
Provides assistance to landowners for forest stewardship, conservation planning,
and tree planting activities associated with forestry assistance programs.
To contact the NRCS office in your county, look under the blue "Government
Offices-U.S." section in your phone directory. The NRCS is listed under the
"Agriculture Dept of" column.
<P>
<DT>
<B>Cooperative Extension Service (CES)</B>
<DD>
The state extension service employs county extension agents who provide
information, workshops, educational programs, research and extension publications
to the public. Every stewardship team has a county agent involved. To contact
the CES office in your county, look under the blue "Government Offices-County"
section in your phone directory. CES is listed under this heading.
<P>
<DT>
<B>Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (FGFWFC)</B>
<DD>
Wildlife biologists on the stewardship team determine what management practices
would meet landowners' objectives. They provide technical assistance and
information on current environmental regulations in regard to wildlife
management. To contact the FGFWFC office in your county, look under the blue
"Government Offices-U.S." section in your phone directory. FGFWFC is listed
under the "Agriculture-Dept of" column of this section.
</DL>
<P>
<P>
<BIG><B><IMG SRC="blt1.gif" WIDTH="13" HEIGHT="13" ALIGN="Middle">Other Sources
Offering Forestry Assistance</B></BIG>
<P>
<DL>
<DT>
<B>University of School of Forest Resources and Conservation</B>
<DD>
The department has research, education, and extension programs in forestry
and wildlife. Forestry Extension Specialists provide a link transferring
research results for application on forestland. "The Florida Forest Steward"
and "Timber Times" offer current information and management tips for landowners.
To receive these publications or to find out more information on forest and
wildlife management, undergraduate education, and extension and assistance
programs, contact:
<P>
<BR>
Forestry Extension Office <BR>
School of Forest Resources and Conservation <BR>
University of Florida <BR>
Gainesville, FL 32611 <BR>
Telephone: (352)-846-0849
<P>
<DT>
<B>Society of American Foresters (SAF)</B>
<DD>
Membership is open to foresters, allied professionals, and forest technicians.
Several magazines are available by subscription. Each month the Journal of
Forestry reports major developments in forest policy and forestry news. Forest
Science publishes the most significant findings and advances in forest research.
Three quarterly publications - Northern Journal of Applied Forestry, Southern
Journal of Applied Forestry, and Western Journal of Applied Forestry-present
practical forestry on a regional basis. Within the society, state sections
hold annual or semiannual meetings, which nonmembers are welcome to attend.
The national SAF address is :
<P>
<BR>
Society of American Foresters <BR>
5400 Grosvenor Lane <BR>
Bethesda, MD 20814-2198 <BR>
Telephone:(301) 897-8720
<P>
<DT>
<B>Florida Forestry Association (FFA)</B>
<DD>
FFA is a not-for-profit association serving the forestry community in Florida.
FFA's primary responsibilities include providing information to its members,
lobbying on various forestry environmental issues, and publishing the "Pines
and Needles" newsletters and Annual Meeting Magazine's Membership Directory.
FFA also administers the FRIP program in conjunction with the DOF, NRCS,
and FSA. For more information, contact:
<P>
<BR>
Florida Forestry Association <BR>
P.O. Box 1696 402 E. Jefferson Street <BR>
Tallahassee, FL 32302 <BR>
Telephone (850) 222-5646
<P>
<DT>
<B>American Forests</B>
<DD>
A national organization open to all interested individuals that publishes
"American Forests" magazine, and serves as a "national voice for people concerned
with forests and forestry" (SAF 1987). For more information, contact:
<P>
<BR>
American Forests <BR>
P.O. Box 2000 <BR>
Washington, DC 20013 <BR>
Telephone (202) 667-3300
<P>
<DT>
<B>Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF)</B>
<DD>
ACF is a national association, incorporated in 1948, whose qualifying membership
requirements include a degree and no less than five years experience in forestry;
adherence to an established code of ethics; and continuing education. ACF
will assist landowners in finding qualified consultants in their area. For
more information, contact:
<P>
<BR>
Association of Consulting Foresters <BR>
5410 Grosvenor Lane <BR>
Bethesda, MD 20814
</DL>
<P>
<P ALIGN=Center>
<IMG SRC="HRULER04.JPG" WIDTH="600" HEIGHT="25">
<P ALIGN=Center>
<BIG><BIG>SUMMARY</BIG></BIG>
<P>
Professional forestry and stewardship assistance is essential to forestland
owners in Florida. Both the abundance of public and private foresters, and
the numerous forestry assistance, programs available, are factors that make
managing forestlands easier for the private owner. The Forest Stewardship
Program offers forestland owners the opportunity to maximize the benefits
from their land.
<P>
If you are interested in receiving some type of forestry assistance, or need
advice about forest management practices, please contact one of the individual
or agency sources listed in this publication.
<P>
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<BIG><BIG>ADDITIONAL READING</BIG></BIG>
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The following publications are available through the Department of Forestry
Extension Office, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Gainesville,
Florida 32611 (Telephone: (352) 846-0849).
<P>
Duryea, M. L. 1987. <I>Forest regeneration methods: Natural regeneration,
direct seeding, and planting</I>. Florida Cooperative Extension Service,
IFAS, University of Florida. Circular 759. 10 pp.
<P>
Duryea, M.L. (editor) 1988. <I>Alternative enterprises for your forest land:
Forest grazing, Christmas trees, hunting leases, pine straw, fee fishing,
and firewood</I>. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS, University
of Florida, Circular 810. 30 pp.
<P>
Duryea, M. L. 1990. <I>Becoming a Forest Steward in Florida</I>. Florida
Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS, University of Florida. 2 pp.
<P>
Duryea, M. L. and J. C. Edwards. 1987. <I>Planting southern pines</I>. Florida
Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS, University of Florida. Circular 767.
14 pp.
<P>
Duryea, M. L. and J. C. Edwards. 1989. <I>Pine-straw management in Florida's
forests</I>. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS, University of Florida,
Circular 831. 6 pp.
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Duryea, M. L., W. G. Hubbard, D. McGrath, and C. Marcus. 1992.
<I><A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/c1020.htm">Florida's
Forest Stewardship Program: An Opportunity to Manage Your Land for Now and
the Future</A></I>. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS, University
of Florida, Circular 1020. 29 pp.
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Hubbard, W.G., R.C. Abt, and M.L. Duryea. 1989. <I>Is your forest-resource
enterprise profitable? </I>IFAS, University of Florida. Circular. 8 pp.
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Hubbard, W.G. and D. Faircloth. 1993,
<I><A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/ssfor4.htm">Recreation
Options for Your Forestland</A></I>. IFAS, University of Florida. SS-FOR-4.
8 pp.
<P>
Hubbard, W.G., and C. Marcus. 1993.
<I><A HREF="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for2.htm">The Stewardship
Incentives Program for Forest Land Owners (SIP)</A></I>. Florida Cooperative
Extension Service, IFAS, University of Florida. SS-FOR-2. 4 pp.
<P>
Jack, S., K. Munson, and D. Flinchum. 1984. <I>Site preparation: alternatives
for plantation establishment</I>. Florida Cooperative Extension Service,
IFAS, University of Florida. Forest Resources and Conservation Fact Sheet
FRC-37. 4 pp.
<P>
Marion, W.R. and J.A. Hovis. 1985. <I>Developing a hunting lease in Florida.
Florida Cooperative Extension Service</I>. IFAS Wildlife and Range Sciences
Fact Sheet WRS- 1. University of Florida, Gainesville.3 pp.
<P>
Munson, K.R. 1984. <I>Forest soils of Florida: Useful groupings for forestry
purposes</I>. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS, Forest Resources
and Conservation Fact Sheet, FRC-33. University of Florida, Gainesville.
4 pp.
<P>
Tanner, G.W. <I>Developing a grazing lease in Florida</I>. Cooperative Extension
Service. IFAS Wildlife and Range Sciences Fact Sheet FRC-31. University of
Florida, Gainesville. 4 pp.
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<BIG><BIG>GLOSSARY</BIG></BIG>
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<B><U><BIG>Forestry assistance program definitions </BIG></U></B>
<P>
<DL>
<DT>
<B>Commercial Timber</B>:
<DD>
timber that can be sold and processed by wood, and pulp and paper industries.
<P>
<DT>
<B>Cost-Share Program</B>:
<DD>
refers to programs (SIP, ACP, and FIP) in which the government "shares" the
cost of certain forest management practices. Eligible landowners can have
50 to 65 percent of their costs paid for through these programs.
<P>
<DT>
<B>Reimbursement</B>:
<DD>
refers to the full repayment of funds used for seedling costs (FRIP), after
Seedling Reimbursement Agreement has been certified.
<P>
<DT>
<B>Recapture Clause</B>:
<DD>
refers to the program restriction that forest management practices must be
maintained for a minimum of ten years, or the landowner will be in violation
of the program contract and must repay all cost-shares.
<P>
<DT>
<B>Right of First Refusal</B>:
<DD>
the opportunity (in a timber sale) for the operating company to meet any
sale price offered by a competitor (Cubbage et al. 1986).
<P>
<DT>
<B>Soil Tolerance Level</B>:
<DD>
the level of soil loss that may occur and still permit a high level of crop
productivity to be obtained economically and indefinitely (USDA 1987).
</DL>
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<B><U><BIG></BIG></U></B>
<P>
<B><U><BIG>Definitions of some forestry terms</BIG></U></B><BIG> </BIG><BR>
(Adapted from Terminology of Forest Science, Technology, Practice, and Products,
SAF 1983).
<P>
<DL>
<DT>
<B>Bare-root seedling</B>:
<DD>
a seedling to be planted with its roots bare of soil.
<P>
<DT>
<B>Natural Regeneration:</B>
<DD>
renewal of a forest by natural seeding, sprouting, suckering, or layering
(does not include planting, which is called artificial regeneration).
<P>
<DT>
<B>Stumpage value</B>:
<DD>
the value of timber in an uncut forest in terms of a dollar amount per cubic
unit.
<P>
<DT>
<B>Timber Marking</B>:
<DD>
the selection and marking (with paint) of trees to be felled or retained
during harvest.
<P>
<DT>
<B>Site Preparation</B>:
<DD>
a mechanical, fire, chemical, or hand treatment that modifies the site to
provide favorable conditions for natural or artificial regeneration.
<P>
<DT>
<B>Timber Stand Improvement</B>:
<DD>
describes practices that improve the condition of the forest (for example,
fertilization and thinning).
</DL>
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<BIG><BIG>LITERATURE CITED</BIG></BIG>
<P>
Cubbage, Frederick W., Thomas M. Skinner, and Christopher D. Risbrudt. 1985.
<I>An economic evaluation of the Georgia Rural Forestry Assistance Program</I>.
Research Bulletin 322. University of Georgia, College of Agriculture Experiment
Station, 59 pp.
<P>
Cubbage, Frederick W., and Donald G. Hodges. 1986. <I>Public and private
technical assistance programs for nonindustrial private forest landowners
in the southern United States</I>. Silva Fennica 20(4): 376-384.
<P>
Duryea, Mary L., and James C. Edwards. 1987. <I>Planting southern pines</I>.
Florida Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS, University of Florida. Circ.
767. 14 pp.
<P>
Duryea, M. L., W. G. Hubbard, D. McGrath, and C. Marcus. 1992. <I>Florida's
Forest Stewardship Program: An Opportunity to Manage Your Land for Now and
the Future</I>. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS, University of
Florida, Circ. 1020. 29 pp.
<P>
Gunter, John E., and Lee Ogden. 1989. <I>Government programs that benefit
timberland owners</I>. Forest Farmer 48(5): 44-46.
<P>
Hubbard, W. G., and C. Marcus. 1993. <I>The Stewardship Incentives Program
for Forest Land Owners (SIP)</I> Florida Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS,
University of Florida. SS-FOR-2.
<P>
Hubbard, William G., and Robert C. Abt. 1989. <I>The effect of timber sale
assistance on returns to landowners</I>. Resource Management and Optimization
6(3): 225-234.
<P>
Society of American Foresters. 1987. <I>You need a forester</I>. SAF. 8 pp.
<P>
Society of American Foresters. 1983. <I>Terminology of forest science,
technology, practice and products</I>. SAF. Washington, DC. 370 pp.
<P>
United States Department of Agriculture. 1980. <I>Forestry incentives program
for the forest landowner</I>.
<P>
United States Department of Agriculture. 1987. <I>Appendix to form CRP-1,
Conservation Reserve Program contract</I>. Agricultural Stabilization and
Conservation Service. 10 pp.
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<P>
<A NAME="Foot">' <SMALL>Recent Ph.D. Graduate, Extension Specialists and
Extension Assistant, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University
of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611. </SMALL></A>
<P>
<SMALL>Florida Cooperative Extension Service * Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences * University of Florida, Gainesville * Christine T. Waddill,
Dean</SMALL>
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