Indiana has 20% forest lands, most privately owned. Forests are important habitats for wildlife and provide environmental and social benefits. Forests support businesses and industries, particularly in rural areas. The forest products industry depends on landowners. Yet fewer than 20% of landowners have management plans. Without plans, sound advice, and professional assistance, poor decision-making can result in forest quality and sustainability degradation.
Purdue Extension offers Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner, in-person and virtually. The in-person program has eight 2.75-hour evening sessions and two Saturday three-hour field day tours. Purdue Extension and local forestry and natural resource professionals provide presentations and direct activities. Participants receive a tree measuring stick and a flash drive containing more than 100 publications and resources. After COVID-19, it was adapted to an online, asynchronous program with live online question-and[1]answer sessions. Last year, 24 owners participated in person and 27 online, representing 1,500 acres of Indiana woodlands valued at $7.3 million.
Participant forest management knowledge improved after the program. More than 90% found it useful for making decisions, and 80% plan to take actions in the next year. A participant said, “This course provided exactly the information I needed to understand the DNR forester’s report on my classified forest and to act on it. It will also help form a land management plan of my own (beyond what the forester provided), find programs to help manage and expand the forest, and earn a little money from the property in future years.”
As a result, 51 private woodland owners increased their knowledge of managing woodlands and plan to use information learned to make decisions and take action for improving their 1,500 acres valued at $7.3 million. This benefits the productivity, health, and sustainability of Indiana’s woodlands.