Woodlot Resources

No matter how much land you own, there are ways you can protect and enjoy it more.
Publications:

The Place You Call Home by Northern Woodlands magazine features Catskills-specific articles by regional authors on a variety of woodland topics.

Backyard Woods by the U.S. Forest Service provides hands-on, family-friendly activities to do in your woods.

You and Your Forest is a self-study course you can complete from the comfort of your home. When you sign up, you’ll receive seven 8-page letters via email and hard copy, one every other week. Topics in the letters include protecting your woodlot, earning income, and making your woods better for wildlife, among others. You don’t need any prior knowledge about the woods to take part. To sign up, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties at 518-622-9820 x 0 or [email protected].
Free Property Visits:

Master Forest Owners

Master Forest Owner volunteers are landowners like you. They have been trained by Cornell University and Cooperative Extension to help you care for your woods. They visit landowners, walk their land with them, and share knowledge and experiences. No matter where in New York you live, there’s a Master Forest Owner near you. Best of all, there’s no charge or obligation to have a Master Forest Owner visit your property.
To learn more and to schedule a visit, please check out this brochure on the Master Forest Owners program, or contact Ron Frisbee, Extension Educator, at 518-622-9820 x31 or [email protected].
DEC Stewardship Plans

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has foresters on staff whose job is to visit landowners and provide personalized advice on looking after your land. To find a DEC forester, contact the DEC office closest to your woodlot. This map will help you find the best office to contact.
Model Forests:

What do you want to do with your woods? The options can be overwhelming. Model forests are real woodlots where you can see firsthand projects like timber harvests, wildlife habitat creation, and even mushroom cultivation. To learn more about the model forests and to find one near you, visit their website.