Some enjoy the forest for the wildlife it provides. Within that group, there is variety again, as one may be a bird enthusiast, while another hunts wild turkey. In addition to all these roles the forest plays in our lives, current research shows that forests provide an important beneficial land cover for protecting drinking water at its source. Based on this research, and on the fact that wood products have always played a vital role in rural economies, forestry is deemed a preferred land use in the New York City watershed.

Yet, seventy-five percent of this million-acre watershed is owned by private landowners. When these landowners connect their everyday actions with the life of the forest, they become stewards of this precious resource. The Watershed Forestry Program encourages these landowners to actively manage their forests using sustainable best management practices and offers information and technical assistance to help them reach their goals. The program is administered by the non-profit Watershed Agricultural Council in Walton, NY with funding from the U.S. Forest Service and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Technical support is provided by community-based forestry groups and foresters with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Start With a Plan
What is A Forest Management Plan?
To encourage voluntary stewardship of private forest land, the Watershed Forestry Program offers cost-sharing to landowners with parcels of ten acres and above located within the watershed boundaries who currently have no written plan. A good Forest Management Plan offers answers to questions like these, in addition to reflecting the unique vision of your forest's land:

How many acres is my forest?
What are my goals for owning the land?
What trees, plants and animals live here?
Are there any threatened or endangered species?
How can I keep my forest safe and healthy?
How can I help conserve soil and protect water resources?
How much is my timber worth?
Who can help me steward my forest?

The Watershed Forestry Program can recommend forestry professionals who have been trained in safety and water quality issues. Funding is available to help offset the cost of their services. To get started, choose a Watershed Qualified Forester or contact us today.

What Do Streams Have To Do With It?
Best management practices (BMPs) are erosion control techniques that protect water quality from sediment in runoff during a timber harvest and after while roads are in use. Landowners and timber harvesters working on watershed forest plans are eligible for funding to help design roads, and install several different types of BMPs. Good management of riparian (streamside) areas benefit everyone. Streambanks with healthy vegetation can help control erosion, protect against flooding, enhance wildlife habitat and protect water resources for humans and fisheries. The Watershed Forestry Program provides technical assistance and some cost-sharing for landowners who want to plan, plant and maintain riparian areas.

Download the New York State Best Management Practice Field Guide to learn about the different BMPs used within the watershed.

How Do I Choose A Timber Harvester?
If you are considering a timber harvest on your land, make sure you start with good information and a properly trained timber harvester. The Watershed Forestry Program has a list of loggers who have taken educational training in safety and watershed protection.

Are you a U.F.O.?
Read the latest issue of Watershed Woodlands newsletter for Unidentified Forest Landowners and find out.