The thing to remember about managing a forest is that partners are important. They can be an adjunct to any committee, the board of directors or trustees when managing a young forest. While there may be border lines to a forest where the law is concerned and ownership is made, however, the forest and all it's species of flora and fauna will not recognize those borders. Partners that are near the borders of a young forest are just as important to a healthy forest than anyone investing time to it's health.
As a matter of fact, for those partners that work with forests as a full time job may be able to warn others of new disease that has been discovered or invasive species of plants, fish or wildlife.
Partners are important and cannot be understated.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) (click here) manages more than 787,000 acres of State Forests. Unlike the Forest Preserve, State Forests are located throughout New York State - except within the Adirondack and Catskill Parks - and include Reforestation Areas, Multiple-Use Areas, Unique Areas and State Nature and Historic Preserves. These lands are highly valued for the recreational opportunities they provide and for their contributions to ecosystem health. Thousands of miles of recreational trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, horse riding, snow shoeing and cross country skiing. These properties are enjoyed by campers, hunters and trappers as well as by orienteering and geocache enthusiasts. On some of these lands, timber management is used as a tool to enhance biodiversity and to create habitat features that might be lacking in the landscape. Other portions are managed to protect and enhance rare, threatened or endangered species. Management of these multiple uses is guided by DEC's Strategic Plan for State Forest Management and by individual unit management plans....
