The four basic needs of Minnesota woodland wildlife

All wildlife have four basic needs: Food, water, cover (shelter), and space. As a woodland owner, planning your woodland stewardship activities with an eye to these general requirements, and to the species you’re most interested in, can make a big difference. Woodland management directly impacts wildlife habitat, and your decisions will have an impact on how much, and what kinds of, wildlife you see on your land.

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Minnesota woodlands and wildlife: strategies and species

Remember the four basic needs of wildlife: food, water, cover, and space. Think about your landscape, including your neighbors’ properties and beyond. What is missing that your target species need? Let these needs guide your planning. Some strategies to improve woodland wildlife habitat. Links & info for individual wildlife species.

Cost-sharing for Minnesota woodlands

A variety of cost-share programs are available from year to year for woodland owners. These programs can help defray the costs of wildlife habitat improvement, soil erosion mitigation, tree planting, and many other woodland activities.

Both the amount of funding available and the specific activities for which funding is available vary from year to year. Most of these funds are passed through from the Federal or State governments, so appropriations depend on the legislative process.

Minnesota woodland stewardship classes and workshops

There are a variety of different kinds of classes available to woodland owners. These classes cover topics from forest ecology to general forest stewardship planning to the nuts and bolts of timber sales, and everything in between. To find out about upcoming classes, check out Woodland Advisor, Tree Care Advisor, Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the Woodland School.

Organizations assisting Minnesota woodland owners

Information about organizations serving Minnesota woodland owners: Minnesota DNR Division of Forestry, Minnesota Forestry Association, Minnesota Association of Consulting Foresters, Minnesota Logger Education Program, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and Minnesota Forest Industries.

Finding help: Minnesota woodland professionals

About the many different kinds of Minnesota forestry and natural resource professionals, including public and private sector foresters and loggers. This page will help you choose the right source of professional assistance for your woodland project.

Minnesota woodland stewardship plans

About Woodland Stewardship Plans in Minnesota. Many cost-share programs require written forest management plans, and woodland stewardship plans are one very common option.