WoodsWISE:
Woods Wise Incentives to Stewardship Enhancement

An incentives program for Maine’s family woodland owners

WoodsWISE implements portions of Maine’s 
  Forest Stewardship Program
with funding and other support provided by
 the USDA Forest Service and others.

     

Maine Forest Service
Forest Policy and Management Division

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
22 State House Station
Augusta, Maine  04333

Tel: (207) 287-8430 or 1-800-367-0223 (in state only)
www.maineforestservice.gov

Why WoodsWISE?

Privately owned woodlands are the heart and soul of the Maine landscape. The WoodsWISE incentives program helps Maine’s family woodland owners make informed forest management decisions, based on stewardship principles.  If you own even a few acres of Maine woods, your property is a source of enjoyment and value to you, as well as an important resource that provides wildlife habitat, clean water, forest products, and other benefits to Maine communities.
WoodsWISE is a part of Maine Forest Service’s “Be Woods Wise” program, a landowner education and outreach effort tailored for small woodland owners.  “Be Woods Wise” offers brochures, fact sheets, videos, and an informative website, http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/policy_management/wwi.htm.  Even more, Maine Forest Service District Foresters can assist you in learning more about your woodlot, and if need be, helping you choose a private consulting forester who will work with you.

The WoodsWISE program offers incentives to help landowners get started in managing their land according to their objectives, with the help of a Licensed Forester.  Financial incentives are available for:
-	Forest Management Plans
-	Guidance to implement management activities identified in the Plan.

Who is eligible for WoodsWISE incentives?

Maine landowners who own 10 – 1,000 forested acres statewide may be eligible.  Ownerships of up to 5,000 forested acres may be eligible under certain circumstances.  Landowners may be individuals, families, organizations such as land trusts, or businesses.
Landowners who take part in WoodsWISE sign a Stewardship Pledge and make a commitment to manage their land according to stewardship principles and abide by the requirements of the program, in return for receiving technical assistance and financial incentives.  At a minimum, landowners must maintain activities under the program for 10 years.

How can I participate in WoodsWISE?

Contact the Maine Forest Service District Forester nearest you for more information and an application, or contact any Stewardship Forester. Stewardship Foresters are private, licensed forestry consultants who agree to provide forestry services under the WoodsWISE program. You can see the current list of Stewardship Foresters at http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/policy_management/wwi/stew_foresters_web.pdf
The program works by “cost-sharing”:
-	The landowner applies for assistance
-	MFS approves the application, based on available funds
-	The work is done, paid for and documented by the landowner and the Stewardship Forester
-	MFS approves the completed work and the documentation
-	MFS reimburses the landowner for a portion of the documented cost.

What is a Stewardship Plan?

A Stewardship Plan is a form of a forest management plan. It is a written document, prepared by a Stewardship Forester hired by you. Your Stewardship Plan will define your woodland ownership objectives, provide a description of your woods and related resources, and make recommendations for future activities and practices to help you achieve your goals.

What are Practices?

Stewardship Plans include recommendations for activities to improve woodlands and meet owner objectives. Some of these conservation practices may be eligible for further assistance, including additional services from a Stewardship Forester.  Check with the Maine Forest Service or a Stewardship Forester about availability of funds, application procedures and eligibility requirements.