The key ingredient to improving forest health and wildlife habitat is a sound forest management plan. The basic elements of a good plan are...

1. A clear statement of the landowners objectives for the property, both long and short term
   
   
2. A description and map of the forest property and an evaluation of its biological and physical capability to meet the landowner’s goals
   
   
3. An intended course of action outlining how the forest will be managed to accomplish the landowner's objectives. Plans for thinning or harvesting, as well as a marketing plan for the forest products removed would be included.

Northern Timberlands provides this type of comprehensive planning to the forest landowner at no charge.

Forest management practices are key to creating And managing wildlife habitats and populations. These practices can produce the diversity of vegetation and forest cover types required by a variety of species (deer, turkey. grouse, etc). Typical management strategies employed may be to:

• Regenerate species providing the best food and cover (Aspen, Red Maple, etc)
  
  
• Retain critical winter thermal cover (Cedar, Hemlock, etc)
  
  
• Increase the amount of edge
  
  
• Leave some of the mast-producing trees
  
  
• Be aware of management objectives of adjacent landowners

Size, timing and shape of timber harvesting units can be critical to maintaining select or diverse wildlife species. Because of the ability to manipulate forest succession with various silvicultural techniques, timber harvesting is an essential component in managing many types of wildlife, especially game species.