What is Forest Management?

• Forest management is the application of appropriate technical forestry principles, practices and business techniques (e.g., accounting, cost/benefit analysis, etc.) to the management of a forest to achieve the owner’s objectives.
• Stated more simply, forest management is providing a forest the proper care so that it remains healthy and vigorous and provides the products and the amenities the landowner desires.
• Forest management is not so much a subject or a science as it is a process. Think of it as the development and execution of a plan integrating all of the principles, practices and techniques necessary to care properly for the forest.

Credit: Randell B. Heiligmann, Extension Specialist, Ohio State University