Promoting sustainable forestry practices on privately owned lands : McVey Memorial Forest management plan

Forests provide many ecological, economic, and social benefits including clean air, water protection, plant and animal habitat, wood products and recreation opportunities. The historical conversion of Indiana's forests to agricultural lands and development has compromised the state's forests and the benefits they offer. SustainingIndiana's remaining forests (particularly in East Central Indiana), will require forest planning, management, and stewardship. Having a written forest stewardship management plan is indicative of owner interest and motivation toward managing their forest sustainably. Further, since management plans are written with specific activities to complete in subsequent years, they encourage landowner's continuous active engagement. Unfortunately, eighty-eight percent of private landowners in the United States (representing sixty-seven percent of private forested lands) do not have a written management plan. This project developed a stewardship management plan for McVey Memorial Forest that promotes a holistic approach toward conservation and sustainability of biological diversity and its components. The objectives of the management plan for McVey Memorial Forest include the development and maintenance of a healthy forest through the promotion of forest and wildlife sustainability. In her will, Edna McVey stipulated that the 244 acre forested property be open to the public so they could enjoy the forest and wildlife there. Proper management and conservation of the forest and wildlife populations at McVey will allow the forest to continue to provide ecosystem services and a place for present and future generations to enjoy.Department of Natural Resources and Environmental ManagementThesis (M.A.