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Forest Management Programs

The Colorado State Forest Service offers a Homeowner Grant Program to those with healthy sustainable forests on their property. This program is designed to help the homeowner protect, care for, and manage their forest. 

FOREST AG PROGRAM

Colorado Landowners are able to sell their timber through the Forest Ag Program.

 

  • In order to participate, landowners must fulfill certain requirements for initial eligibility.

  • The Colorado Legislature has authorized the Colorado State Forest Service to work with County Assessors to recommend landowners for this status.

  • Recommendation is based on completion of (and adherence to) a mandatory Forest Stewardship Plan written by a professional forester.

  • Hemlock Consulting is certified to write Forest Stewardship Plans!
     

Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Program

Colorado Legislature has authorized the Colorado State Forest Service to disburse and administer state funding associated with the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation grant.  

 

  • A FSP or other guiding management document is not strictly required to apply for this funding, however it improves competitive standing for applicants if they do have this documentation.  

  • This documentation can include the FSP above (ie an applicant can use one plan for both) but also extends to basic prescriptions, practice plans, management plans, or Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP’s). 

Forest Programs Hemlock Consulting Can Assist With

Constructing a Forest Management Plan

1

Meeting with the Homeowner

The first step in creating a Forest Management Plan is getting to know the Homeowner, their goals for their property, their plans for future use, and any concerns they have regarding their forest.

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Some things we will discuss are:

  • Is the Homeowner looking to produce wood products?

  • Has the Homeowner noticed any signs of insects or disease within their forest?

  • What are the primary uses of the land? (Recreational, hunting, etc.)

  • What does the homeowner value most aesthetically? 

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2

Taking Measurements

After meeting with the Homeowner, an onsite visit is scheduled. During this visit measurements are taken using specialized tools, the information gathered is then used to craft the Forest Management Plan.

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Some of the measurements taken are:

  • The average tree height is measured using a Vertex Laser Geo Scope.

  • Stand density within the forest is measured with a Prism

  • A comprehensive Soil Study

  • An endangered species study is conducted

  • A Wildfire Burn Intensity Study is conducted.

  • Individual Management Units are created and measured. These Units are used to help break down the property into specific sections and create goals. 

3

Writing the Plan

The final stage of a Forest Management Plan is writing up the official document. In order to qualify for the Grant, the Management Plan is written so as to meet State Forest Service regulations.

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The Forest Management Plan will include:

  • Location and parcel maps

  • Geologic and Climatic characteristics

  • Insects, disease, and invasive plants are documented

  • All measurements and statistics are thoroughly documented

  • Specific recommendations per Management Unit

  • Implementation priority

  • Standards necessary to meet our goal and monitoring practices

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