Communicating with Forestry Pros

By Lexi Brown — MSU Extension Forestry, Forest Stewardship Coordinator

Photo (right): Peter Kolb

Implementing forest management actions is a journey that requires effective communication between all parties involved. Knowing who, when, how, or what to address regarding forest property is not always an easy task. In fact, it might seem extremely daunting if you’ve never spoken to local forestry professionals. However, most professional foresters love to talk to landowners about forests. Communicating with local forestry professionals allows you to tap into their knowledge and experience, which can provide more knowledge to manage your forest.

When to Contact a Forestry Professional

The short answer is as soon as possible. Once it’s decided to manage your forest, reach out to local forestry professionals. Scheduling a visit requires finding a mutually agreeable time. During late summer fire seasons, many foresters might be extremely busy. Often, they have the most available time during spring “breakup” when soils are too wet for logging to take place, but enough snow has melted to allow access to forested lands.

What to Address

Forestry professionals are available to answer questions covering a broad range of topics. From wildlife and range to fire and legal issues, forestry professionals can help. Other topics that forestry professionals can help with include timber harvesting, tree and plant identification, compliance with Montana’s forest practice laws and rules, and anything else that is relevant to property and goals.

Communicating with a Forestry Professional

When asking a question about the property and plans for management, it is important to be specific. For example, stating that you own property in Cascade County and want to conduct a thinning probably won’t yield the answers and help that’s needed. Instead, explain the property location, being as specific as possible, describe current conditions (tree species, insect/disease, density, etc.), and explain what is planned. Being as specific as possible allows the forestry professional to better prepare to provide the assistance required. Forestry is a broad science and practice with many regional nuances and specialties (soils, insects/disease, hydrology, tree physiology, climate, markets, etc.). Do not be afraid to ask foresters to explain technical terms, as they often get caught up using their own professional jargon. It’s your property, and the foresters are there to help meet your needs, not the other way around, and professional foresters respect that. Phone calls, e-mails, or even in-person communication are effective ways to initiate the conversation.

Who to Talk to and How to Find Them

There are many resources available to private landowners and depending on what is planned, finding the right professional might take some time. For general forest inquiries and site visits, the local Service Forester or NRCS Forester can be the first request of assistance. Likewise, for information regarding grants and funding, speak with the local Service Forester or NRCS Forester, conservation districts, or RC&Ds (Resource Conservation and Development).

Communicating with local forestry professionals shouldn’t be a barrier to needed resources to implement management actions. Foresters and natural resources professionals alike are there to help and provide information or assistance. If you are looking for an opportunity to learn more about your forest and write your own stewardship plan, consider registering for a Montana Forest Stewardship Workshop. To learn more about the Forest Stewardship Program and Workshops, visit www.montana.edu/extension/ forestry/calendar/index.html.

FORESTRY PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES DNRC Service Foresterdnrc.mt.gov/Forestry/Forest-Management/DNRC-service-foresters NRCS Foresterwww.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center?state=30&county= Conservation District Grantsdnrc.mt.gov/Conservation/Grant-and-Loan-Programs/Conservation-District-Grants County Grants county specific websites

Matt Ricketts, Forest Consultant, speaking with private landowners at the Forest Stewardship workshop in Bozeman, Montana. Photo: Lexi Brown, May 2024.