Missouri Department of Conservation

Forest Management

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Forest Management

Topics in this section help you learn how to manage and protect your land's forests and trees.

Forest Action Plan

Missouri’s Forest Action Plan is an evaluation of conditions, trends, threats and opportunities facing our forests. It’s also a comprehensive strategy for sustaining these resources and the benefits and services we expect from them. More

Forest Health

The forest health program monitors pest populations to ensure forest health concerns are incorporated into the management of state and private forests. More

Forest Management for Missouri Landowners

This downloadable book is a first step toward getting more from your woodlands—whether you are interested in wildlife, wood products, recreation or scenery. It will give you guidelines for assessing your woodlot’s present condition and ideas for creating and maintaining a healthy forest that meets your objectives. More

Forest Management Options and Comparisons

A look at three management options and comparative data for a 40-year-old upland oak stand. More

Forest Products and Best Management Practices

Find forest-industry directories and best practices for managing, harvesting and protecting your woodlot and forest resources. Remember, if you're planning a timber harvest, call a professional forester before you cut. He or she can help you prepare your sale for maximum economic and forest-health benefits. More

Forests for the Future

The next few years will be controversial for the forestry profession. Foresters are being challenged to show a concerned and skeptical public that they can provide for the public's needs while maintaining and protecting the resource. More

Notes for Forest Managers

Download these periodic PDF documents on a variety of forest management issues. More

Missouri Forestkeepers

The Missouri Forestkeepers Network is an opportunity for all Missourians--urban and rural--to get involved in understanding and gaining important information about the condition of trees and forests. By joining the network, you play an essential role in the future of Missouri's trees and forests. Join us. More

Related Information

  • Field GuideIdentify and learn more about the plants, animals and mushrooms near you.
  • Fifty Common Trees of Missouri

    This downloadable illustrated two-color, 33-page booklet helps you identify 50 of Missouri's most common trees.

  • Free Publications

    Our free publications help Missouri landowners, homeowners, teachers and students improve their acres, learn about animals and plants, enjoy more fishing and hunting, attract fun-to-watch wildlife with native plants and get involved in special programs. Download this form to browse or order dozens of free publications from MDC's distribution center. Note: you must be a Missouri resident to receive our free printed publications.

  • How Old is That Tree?You don't need to cut down a tree and count its growth rings or use an increment borer to find out how old it is. You can make a fairly good estimate of a tree’s age using this simple formula published by the International Society of Arboriculture.
  • Plant ManagementThe right kinds of plants can improve your land's habitat and beauty, as well as your farm's profitability. This section shows you how to promote and manage beneficial native plant communities and to control the invasive plants that threaten habitat and crops.
  • Missouri Forest Values

    Forests are more than trees. They are also the animals that make the forests their homes, and the birds that nest in the tree tops. They are the clear woodland springs and streams and the fish that live in them. Find out all the ways forests work for wildlife and people, too.

External Links

  • Call Before You Cut Missouri: Why Sell Timber?

    Your woods represent one of your most valuable resources. The decision to harvest, and how to do so, can either improve or set back the future value of your land, its potential for wildlife habitat, its value as a place for recreation, and as a source of enjoyment for you and your family.

don't move firewood
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