Tree Farmer - March/April 2010 - (Page 11)

What is a Working Conservation Agreement? A working conservation agreement [aka woodland legacy agreement] is a voluntary conservation option for working lands that allows continued management of natural resources for financial gain while permanently protecting the conservation values of the property. Each agreement is tailored to fit the unique needs as a landowner and the management goals for the property. Agreements serve to preserve working family woodlands permanently and are collaboratively designed by the landowner and the holder of the agreement. Woodlands under an working conservation agreement are actively managed following a forestry plan with specific goals. Although these types of agreements are negotiable, they are permanent, so it is important to take your time in considering how it can work best for your family. For many, land is their family’s most valuable asset, so consider discussing these agreements with family members Many landowners want their woodlands to continue much as they do now - providing wildlife, habitat, clean air, clean water, and a natural surrounding where we work and live. A working conservation agreement enables you to preserve all that, while also continuing to derive revenue from your property through sustainable timber management. - American Forest Foundation Top five list for Working Conservation Agreements 1. It’s your choice! Agreements are voluntary and unique to your individual situation. 2. Your property is yours… unless you sell it! 3. Protect your land forever! The document is legally binding and permanent and requires consultation with an accountant and attorney during development. 4. Harvesting and other forest management practices are permitted! Different from the agreement, the forest management plan may be changed and /or updated periodically to respond to new forest conditions. 5. Pay less in taxes! Agreements can significantly reduce estate, property, and income taxes if it meets federal tax codes and may qualify as a tax-deductible charitable donation. work with those ownerships that are more the family forest.” In a state where 46 percent — 6.9 million acres — of forestland is privately owned and where the northern part is characterized by a “checkerboard” pattern of private, state, county, federal, and tribal ownership, conservation agreements will continue to serve as an effective tool in maintaining recreational opportunities, wood products production, wildlife habitat, and many other forest amenities. The Minnesota Forest Legacy Partnership’s efforts to protect the region’s working forestland from parcelization have more than exceeded Norton’s expectations, and Ladner attributes much of the success of the program to the private and public partnership. “As a result of this team effort,” she says, “I believe Minnesota will reach its goal of protecting at least 500,000 acres of industrial forestland from fragmentation, which is critical to protecting its biological diversity and Minnesotans’ way of life.” Margaret A. Haapoja is a Tree Farmer in Bovey, Minnesota. Tree Farmer MARCH/APRIL 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Tree Farmer - March/April 2010

Tree Farmer - March/April 2010
Contents
Cover Story
Create a Recreational Trail
A Life Spent in the Woods
Ties to the Land
Public Policy
Wildlife Matters
From your Committees

Tree Farmer - March/April 2010