Yankee Division
Forest Stewardship Resources
Informative resources about forest management in southern New England organized by topic:
Forest Products and the Economy
Resources for Forestry Professionals
Forest Health
Forest Regeneration Handbook
This handbook has been prepared to help readers develop an appreciation of how northeastern forests develop and an understanding of forest regeneration concepts, including the importance of disturbance. This information will help landowners and other land use decision-makers, in concert with professional foresters, make informed decisions about forest regeneration options tailored to their management objectives.
Download Northeastern Forest Regeneration Handbook (2013)
Adaptive Forest Management Practices
The following items (also available in the carbon and climate change section) are about forestry designed to improve the resilience of forests to the detrimental impacts of climate change.
Adaptation Workbook for Land Managers
Forest Adaptation Resources: climate change tools and approaches for land managers, 2nd edition
New England Forestry Foundation
The New England Forestry Foundation's (NEFF) mission is to conserve forests for future generations. As such, NEFF has developed and partnered in a number of initiatives designed to educate, enhance, and inspire conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable forestry across New England.
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES)
CAES provides CT landowners with a wealth of resources, information, and services. Landowners can take advantage of soil and tick testing and information, can access and provide samples of diseased or insect-infested plant tissues for diagnoses or identification, and can stay up-to-date on all forest health (insect, disease, invasive species, etc.) fact sheets.
Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG)
CIPWG is a consortium of individuals, organizations, and agencies Concerned with invasive plant issues. Members can receive notification regarding invasive species related workshops, volunteer opportunities, and more. Stay up-to-date on invasive plants and their control.
State Lands Management
Did you know that your state owns and manages forest land for the greater good of the public? These forests are valuable resources for landowners, as they provide opportunity for recreation, research and education, and demonstration. From these forests and their foresters you can stay healthy, active, and up-to-date on current science and best management practices. Learn about what's going on in your public forest resource:
CT DEEP State Lands Management
MA Forestry on State Public Lands
Yale Experts Explain Healthy Forests
Forestry experts Dr. Mark Ashton and Dr. Joseph Orefice of Yale University in Connecticut explain the threats to forests in southern New England and the solutions we can all be a part of.
Further Forest Health Resources:
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DEER BROWSE prevents regeneration and is a major health issue for southern New England forests. Read this USDA publication to better understand the impacts.
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For an easy-to-understand guide to forest health, complete with an assessment form to use on your own land: Forest Health - an introductory guide for conservation volunteers of eastern Massachusetts.
Wildlife & Habitat
Pollinators in Forests - Changing Forests & How Ecological Forest Management Supports Bees 🐝
This Webinar from the Xerces Society discusses bee diversity, how bees and other forests rely on forest habitats, the natural history of forest habitat and threats today, and how active ecological forest management has the potential to SAVE BEES!
Watch here: https://youtu.be/TfrpEBmSG0E
And check out Xerces.org for more information on the conservation of invertebrates (like bees!)
Scientific Literature: Disturbance-based silviculture for habitat diversification: Effects on forest structure, dynamics and carbon storage (2020)
Thom and Keeton present a study of silvicultural treatments designed to improve and increase habitat for forest birds. These treatments, patterned after natural disturbances, were associated with greater structural diversity of the stand (which is associated with improved biodiversity and resilience to disturbance), and greater capacity for carbon storage.
"Forester for the Birds" in Massachusetts
The DCR Bird Habitat Assessment Program, in partnership with MassAudubon, provides funding assistance to landowners to work with a consulting forester or other qualified professional to evaluate existing and potential habitat for a selection of birds. Learn how to improve bird habitat on your property, and even see a story map of properties that have done the work!
Check here for more information
Take a virtual visit to MA Forester-for-the-birds Properties
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lectures and Webinars:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Forest Ecology Working Group, National Conservation Training Center, and Migratory Bird Program have developed a 12-part monthly lecture series to address the 50-year decline of 3 billion birds through partnerships, conservation science and forest management. The series tells a compelling story about forest bird population declines, partnership opportunities, and forest management actions that can support bird population recovery and sustainability
This 5-part focused lecture series introduces the fundamental principles of forest habitat management. The series is taught by Brenda McComb, emeritus professor at Oregon State University.
This webinar series was developed by the Forest Ecology Working Group to increase the understanding and integration of forest ecology, applied science and habitat management principles across all levels, programs, and regions of the USFWS, and with our partners.
"Habitat Management for Wildlife" in CT
Learn about the various initiatives in Connecticut to manage the woods for improvement of wildlife habitat.
Brush Piles for Wildlife
This CT publication applies to any woodland owner throughout Southern New England who's interested in supporting and promoting wildlife populations in their woodlot. Brush piles are valuable habitat features for songbirds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians when natural cover is limited. They provide a great use for woody materials acquired through a timber harvest or from storm damage.
Managing Forests for Trees and Birds in Connecticut
A guide to habitat assessments and silvicultural practices developed by Audubon Connecticut.
Other Valuable Wildlife Resources:
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Ruffed Grouse Society, American Woodcock Society
Clean Air and Water
U.S. Forest Service Forests to Faucets Assessment
Learn about the value of forests for water quality, explore important watersheds, and learn about restoring, protecting, and managing forests with water quality in mind.
Healthy Forests for Clean Water
This short publication by the North Carolina Forest Service contains great information about drinking water, the value of forests for water quality, and best management practices for water quality, and a list of things you can do to help improve water quality through forestry.
Streamside Forests
This short publication by the Stroud Water Research Center describes the connection healthy between stream habitats and good drinking water, as well as the value of forests and trees for water quality.
Forest Harvesting Best Practices for Water Quality
Managed forests are key for water quality protection, and in turn, there are some best practices for forest harvesting that should be taken to protect water quality during a harvest.
Read the Connecticut DEEP Best Management Practices for Water Quality While Harvesting Forest Products
Carbon and Climate Change
Climate Change Resource Center
The Climate Change Resource Center (CCRC) is a web-based, national platform that connects land managers and decision makers with useable science to address climate change in natural resources planning and management. The CCRC provides information about climate change impacts on forests and other ecosystems, and approaches to adaptation and mitigation in forests and grasslands. The website compiles and creates educational resources, climate change and carbon tools, video presentations, literature, and briefings on management-relevant topics, ranging from basic climate change information to details on specific management responses. The CCRC is a joint effort of Forest Service Research and Development and the Office of Sustainability and Climate.
The American Carbon Registry: an updated method (As of summer, 2022)
The ACR is a leading broker for carbon offset programs, and they've published a methodology for Improved Forest Management (IFM) on Non-Federal U.S. Forestlands to strengthen rigor and clarity, and further ensuring the methodology delivers real climate benefits, both now and over the long-term.
Read about ACR's mission HERE
Check out the methodology HERE
ACR’s IFM methodology v2.0 combines more than 12 years of practical project implementation experience with the latest in carbon market innovation. It is based on forest economics and rooted in science, verifiability, and transparency. Key updates of the ACR IFM methodology include additional safeguards; increased reporting requirements; further specificity in project accounting, modeling, and verification; and specific accounting of IFM “removals” credits.
Forest Carbon: An Essential Solution for Climate Change
Paul Catanzaro and Tony D'Amato, two forestry scientists from New England, present a broad and thorough understanding of the carbon dynamics of the forest ecosystem.
Securing Northeast Forest Carbon: Program and webinar series
A collaboration between northeast states to conserve carbon in privately-owned forested land. Includes 4 informative webinars about 1) Forest Carbon Science, 2) Forest Management and Carbon, 3) Carbon Markets, and 4) Forest Carbon Projects
Healthy Forests for our Future: A Management Guide to Increase Carbon in Northeast Forests
From the Nature Conservancy and The Northern Institute for Applied Climate Science
Identifying trade-offs and opportunities for forest carbon and wildlife using a climate change adaptation lens
Caitlin Littlefield and Tony D'Amato, review trade-offs and explore case studies from the northeast.
Forest Carbon | USFS
The USDA Forest Service is a leader in developing tools for carbon assessment, management, and forest carbon cycle science. Developed by the Climate Change Resource Center, their Carbon website provides a carbon infographic, and an overview of the carbon cycle, carbon measurement scales, equivalencies and carbon management activities.
The "Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change" Network
The Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) network is led by Colorado State University and the Northern Institute for Applied Climate Science (NIACS). ASCC is a collaborative effort to establish a series of experimental silvicultural trials across a network of forest types throughout the United States and Canada. Site-specific treatments are co-developed among local scientists and natural resource professionals according to local conditions and tailored to meet site-specific management objectives, while at the same time aligned under a common framework for answering questions about how different forest types will respond to management and the future climate.
Learn about adaptive silviculture on their website adaptivesilviculture.org
Check out this article about the ASCC installation at "Second College Grant" Forest in New Hampshire
NIACS: Climate Change Response Network
Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS), is a collaborative effort among the US Forest Service, universities, conservation organizations, and the forest industry to provide information on managing forests for climate change adaptation and enhanced carbon sequestration.
NIACS' Climate Change Response Framework presents examples of forestry practices with climate change and carbon in mind. Examples are:
NIACS' Adaptation Workbook is an online tool to help forest managers come up with a climate responsive plan for a forested site.
The latest IPCC Report
The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. The latest report - the 6th Assessment Report - written in 2022, is accessible through the website. Explore it to find summaries and full reports by the three working groups, as well as special reports like this one: Climate Change and the Land.
Of special interests for forests is the report of Working group 3 on Climate Change Mitigation. This report provides an updated global assessment of climate change mitigation progress and pledges, and examines the sources of global emissions. It explains developments in emission reduction and mitigation efforts, assessing the impact of national climate pledges in relation to long-term emissions goals.
The World Resources Institute wrote a helpful article highlighting forests in the IPCC report. It discusses forests as carbon sinks, how climate is affecting forests, and solutions including the support of indigenous peoples to steward and manage their forest resources.
Climate Change Atlas
Learn how climate change is expected to effect the habitats of trees and birds in these US Forest Service publications
Visit the Climate Change Atlas
Forest Adaptation Webinar Series
Presented by the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science & The Forest Stewards Guild, 2020.
Watch the webinar recordings here
The right trees for the right time:
4 webinars focused on forest resiliency amid climate change
New approaches to forest management that can help maximize ecosystem resiliency in changing climate conditions will be the focus of four talks being offered in conjunction with a recently announced project in the Hoffman Evergreen Preserve in Stonington. Sponsored by the Avalonia Land Conservancy, Connecticut Sea Grant and UConn CLEAR (Center for Land Use Education & Research), these 4 talks will provide the chance to learn from experts about climate change effects on northeastern forests and strategies to enhance their ability to adapt.
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March 10: “History of New England Forests and Climate Change"
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April 14: “Carbon Sequestration 101”
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May 12: “Experimenting with Climate-Adaptive Forestry Practices: Challenges and Opportunities”
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June 9: “Brave New Worlds for Trees: Assisted Migration and the Study of the Hoffman Preserve”
Registration is free and will be available individually for each webinar.
To learn more and to register, visit: UCONN CLEAR webinars
https://www.northeastforestcarbon.org/forest-carbon-management-additional-resources/
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Forestry/Forest-Health-and-Climate-Change
More Information about Forests, Carbon, and Climate Change
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Additional resources from the "Securing Northeast Forest Carbon Program" can be found at https://www.northeastforestcarbon.org/forest-carbon-management-additional-resources/
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's page on forest health and climate change can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Forestry/Forest-Health-and-Climate-Change
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NOAA's State Summaries - state-level climate assessment information
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removals from Forest Land, Woodlands, and Urban Trees in US (1990-2018)
Forest Products and the Economy
New England Forestry Foundation's Build It With Wood initiative
New England Forestry Foundation’s Build It With Wood initiative works to increase the amount of engineered timber products used in new buildings, to support sustainable forestry in New England, decrease the carbon footprint and energy consumption of new buildings, and help store carbon in long-lasting wood products.
Forest Products Industry Reports
Wood for Good is the UK timber industry’s wood promotion campaign. With a broad collection of case studies, courses and informative articles, they describe the many benefits of building with wood from human health and wellness to positive impacts on carbon and the climate.
Forest Products Industry Reports
Northeast-Midwest Region Economic Analysis reports
Witch Hazel
Connecticut is the top producer of this yellow-flowered, widely used, skin care ingredient. Learn about its history, use, and how it's harvested from naturally growing clumps in CT forests! CT Magazine article.
Forest Recreation
Connecticut Blue-blaze Hiking Trails
Learn about this Connecticut trail system.
Check out the interactive map!
New England Trail
The New England Trail is a 215-mile long-distance hiking trail from Long Island Sound in CT to the MA/NH border.
Resources for Landowners
CT's Master Woodland Manager Program
Do you own or manage woodlands of any size? Join this year-long class to gain woodland management knowledge to benefit your family, wildlife, and the environment.
For more information and to apply, contact Beth Bernard: bbernard@ctwoodlands.org
Or visit ctwoodlands.org
Forest Stewards Guild
The Forest Stewards Guild practices and promotes responsible forestry as a means of sustaining the integrity of forest ecosystems and the human communities dependent upon them. This is a membership organization that engages in education, training, policy analysis, research, and advocacy to foster stewardship, support practicing foresters and allied professionals, and engage a broader community. Landowners can participate in their workshops and educational events, engage in sponsored trainings, search for forestry-related events, and even use the website as a tool to find a forester. A great resource for landowners and professionals alike!
The USFS Natural Resource Conservation Service's (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
NRCS EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such a as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduce erosion, and improved or created wildlife habitat, and mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.
Visit this website to learn more about NRCS EQIP
Review the program fact sheet below
Ever Thought of Selling Timber?
This CT publication applies to woodland owners in Southern New England who are interested in learning more about the process of forest management. It reviews that how and why of timber sales, and can function as a guide for private forest landowners to protect their investment and care for their forest.
Southern New England Stumpage Price Report
Wondering if it's a good time to sell timber? View price reports of standing timber by species purchased each quarter from 1994 to present day. From these reports you can gain insights on market trends and make a more informed decision on when to sell your timber.
Women Owning Woodlands
The Women Owning Woodlands web project strives to bring topical, accessible, and current forestry information to woodland owners and forest practitioners through news articles, blogs, events, resources, and personal stories. We support women in forest leadership, women who manage their own woodlands, and all who facilitate the stewardship of forests.
Visit the Northeast region's website
Woodland Connections for Women
Woodland Connections for Women aims to build a network of female landowners in Massachusetts and provide opportunities for education and connection. We host events throughout the year and encourage women to foster relationships with each other and their land.
Resources for Educators
Project Learning Tree
This project is a collection of trainings, curriculums, and lessons designed to help educators help students better understand our forested environment and conservation action. The project aims to help students learn how to think about complex environmental issues (not what to think). In addition to educational materials, their professional development and networking aspects are of high quality and used by thousands of educators. Check them out!
The Envirothon
The Envirothon is a leading natural resource education program for high school students, emphasizing hands-on, team-oriented problem solving that prepares young people for environmental careers and active citizenship. The program combines in-class and hands-on training in five core areas: aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, soils and land use. Additionally, each team prepares an oral presentation on a special Environmental Issue, which changes annually.
The Envirothon is active in 45 US states and most Canadian provinces. Each state holds its own annual competition. The winners of these state and provincial contests compete in the NCF-Envirothon a program of the National Conservation Foundation which is held each summer and lasts for five days.
Envirothon Websites for the southern New England states:
Resources for Forestry Professionals
Oak Resiliency Assessment Tool
This project, initiated by the Forest Stewards Guild and developed with the help of many southern New England collaborators, aims to help land managers assess oak health in the field, use best practices in oak management to ensure long-term health, and communicate effectively about oak issues with landowners and others.
Yankee Division Position Statement
The Yankee Division of the Society of American Foresters articulated their position on the importance of forest management for protecting our ecosystems and mitigating climate change. This document contains a wealth of scientific support for this position. It is intended to guide forest policy and decision-making as we navigate our changing environment.
Download the Position Statement
USFS Rooted in Research
The USDA Forest Service is delivering the latest science to support natural resource management and sustainability. Rooted in Research is the Northern Research Station's science delivery platform, with events and products tailored to natural resource professionals, partners, collaborators, and engaged citizens throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Join the monthly webinar series, taking place the first Wednesday of each month from 12:30-1:30PM.
Access past webinar presentations and view upcoming webinars here.
Women's Forest Congress
The Women’s Forest Congress is a forum to develop strategies and solutions for forests through a female lens. Women throughout the forest space have come together to share personal and professional experiences, connect with other women in the sector, shape the latest innovations, and consider how actions informed by the female perspective can make a profound impact on the future of forests.
Forestry Fact Sheets
CT DEEP: Why Manage Forests?
These publications by CT DEEP describe the importance of good forest management for a variety of objectives including:
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forest health an diversity
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water resource protection
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wildlife habitat
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research and education
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sustainable recreation
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and forest products
Download "Why We Manage Connecticut State Forests"
Download the 2-page Fact Sheet
CT Young Forest Initiative
Interested in creating habitat for the 50+ wildlife species of greatest conservation need in CT? Learn more about how the Young Forest Initiative can support your efforts.
National Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) One-Click State Fact Sheets
The USDA Forest Service FIA program supplies annual updates that provide an overview of forest resources in each state based on their conducted inventories.
Select your State of Interest and Download its Fact Sheet
Natural Resource Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Learn more about how this cost-reimbursement program can help you meet your management goals.
