It details the overall property condition and inventory information such as types of trees, vegetation and soils on the property along with a map. It lays out options to address natural resource concerns related to soil, water, air, plants, animals and human health. For example, the plan may identify conservation practices needed to reduce wildfire risk on the property; or to improve tree health and vigor; or to improve biodiversity and wildlife habitat. As the private landowner, your goals are also included in the plan. 

For example, thinning a dense, overcrowded stand can reduce the amount of forest fuels, thus reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire. The trees left standing receive more sunlight and water which promotes healthy growth and productivity. The desired spacing will depend on the tree type and the management goals for the property. Thinning also creates more open understory areas that benefit wildlife habitat.

In some cases, the slash can create a wildfire risk or facilitate the spread pests and disease. There are multiple ways to treat the slash depending on your situation. The slash can be converted into wood chips; it can be left in the woods to decompose; or it could be scattered as small piles to provide wildlife habitat.

Pruning branches of trees and shrubs can improve the quality of wood products and production of plant products such as nuts, fruits and boughs. Pruning may also increase the health and vigor of the woody plant.

This may include performing any mechanical, chemical or prescribed burning methods to the land such as removing diseased vegetation from the site or leaving slash material or woody debris on the site to retain soil moisture and organic matter. This practice encourages natural regeneration of desirable woody plants and permits artificial establishment of woody plants.

This practice is used to maintain or improve desirable plant diversity, productivity and health. Establishing trees and shrubs can improve water quality by creating a filter for excess nutrients and other pollutants in runoff and ground water. It can help control erosion; sequester and store carbon; and create or improve wildlife habitat resulting in beneficial ecological services.

They are most effective when placed in areas that would protect homes, infrastructure, and water sources from potential wildfire threats. A fuel break can significantly reduce the spread of wildfire because it eliminates excess forest fuels that can cause a wildfire to burn hotter and spread higher into the canopy. It forces fires to stay lower to the ground and provides access for firefighters to respond to a wildfire. Fuel breaks also can enhance wildlife habitat.

It acts as a filter to keep sediments from entering surface water and to keep pathogens, chemicals, pesticides and other contaminants out of surface and ground water. It can also be used to improve fish habitat; store and sequester carbon to reduce greenhouse gases; and restore plant diversity.

For example, a road may be closed to control erosion, or to avoid impacts to sensitive areas such as wetlands or riparian areas. This practice also includes treatment of the site to restore the land to a productive state. This may include re-establishing plants and wildlife habitat or re-establishing drainage patterns that existed before the road was built. The goal is to minimize human impacts to the closure area to meet requirements for safety, aesthetic, sensitive area protection, or wildlife habitat.

This practice minimizes damage to soil, water, plant and animal resources. It is not intended to establish trails for recreational activities. This practice is for establishing a new trail/landing or restoring old ones in forest land.

At a young stage, these plants are generally very nutrient rich and provide critical food sources for wildlife. However they depend on frequent disturbance in order to continue to create early successional growth. This practice involves the deliberate management of the forest to promote early/new plant growth specifically for a target wildlife species. For example, partially cutting and tipping willow trees to promote new willow shoots that are desirable food for moose.

The purpose is to provide structures in proper amounts, locations and seasons to enhance or sustain non-domesticated wildlife, or modify existing structures that pose a hazard to wildlife. The practice applies to all lands where planting or managing vegetation fails to meet the short-term needs of the species or guild under consideration. One example is installing bat boxes or bird nesting boxes.

This practice can be used to plant a new windbreak or to enhance or renovate an existing windbreak. Windbreaks can help reduce soil erosion caused by wind; and enhance plant health and productivity by protecting crops from wind-related damage.

NRCS can help you establish and manage certain tree species or forage plants on your silvopasture operation. Silvopasture activities can help improve the health and productivity of forage, improve biodiversity, improve soil health, enhance wildlife habitat, reduce erosion, and increase carbon sequestration and storage.