Since 1992, the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation has partnered with the Berkshire-Pioneer RC&D to deliver the Forest Stewardship Program. The goal of the program is to promote sustainable forest management to the more than 200,000 landowners who hold the fate of over 75% of the woodlands of Massachusetts in their hands.

Forest Stewardship Program staff conduct workshops, publish bulletins, pamphlets and brochures, and link landowners with the forestry professionals who can answer their questions and provide technical assistance. From time to time the program has also been able to offer landowners financial incentives to create forest management plans and to implement them.

The program is voluntary and the emphasis is on education. Landowners enter the program by hiring a licensed private forester to write a 10-year Forest Stewardship Plan that is based on the landowner’s goals.

There are currently 2,386 landowners enrolled with a Stewardship Plan representing over 175,000 acres.

Berkshire-Pioneer RC&D provides administrative and program support to conduct the education, outreach, and cost-share programs associated with the Massachusetts Forest Stewardship Program.  The Stewardship Program coordinator is located at the RC&D office.

For more program details, eligibility, availability of financial incentives, an example plan, etc. visit the DCR Forest Stewardship Program website.

Contact

  • Marcheterre Fluet
  • Forest Stewardship Program Associate
  • 433 West Street, Suite 8
  • Amherst, MA 01002