Type 2- If the landowner seeking a plan renewal does not have a copy of the original plan, or has otherwise had a change in ownership or objectives, then the renewal plan must contain the entire required plan components listed below and the contract plan writer will be compensated at the original contract rate. This is considered a Type II renewal plan. Any renewal plan application submitted for contract payment must include a copy of the original plan or comply with the entire plan requirements listed below. SHAPE FILES Every forest Stewardship plan must have an associated shape file created for the plan. Acceptable format for the shape file(s) is ArcGIS with the associated files (.shp, .shx, .dbf, .prj, .sbx, .sbn, .xml) Shape files can be produced by GFC professional for a nominal fee. For more information on shape file requirements, consult your local stewardship forester. COVER LETTER i Identify the landowner as a participant in Georgia's Forest Stewardship Program and congratulate him on his intent to practice multiple-use forestry. i Specify that the management plan covers a ten-year period. i Refer to the possibility that the landowner may be designated as a Certified Forest Steward and duly recognized at some point in the future when significant progress has been made in implementing the plan. i All plans must be reviewed and signed by the GFC district stewardship forester, DNR wildlife biologist, and local Natural Resources Conservation Service representative. The district stewardship forester should be the last to sign the finished plan. i Give the name, signature, phone number, affiliation and position of all the plan reviewers. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Include a brief description of the landowner objectives, stand conditions, and recommendations. Limit summary to 1-2 pages. This section introduces the reader to the conclusions you want them to make after reading the plan and does not need to include every aspect of the plan. LANDOWNER OBJECTIVES i Specify the landowner's primary and secondary management objectives. These must reflect the landowner's interests as detailed on his/her application for participation in the program. i All landowner objectives should consider the overall program goals of soil conservation, water quality protection, and biodiversity enhancement. i In order of landowner interest, briefly mention each forest resource (timber, wildlife, recreation, and aesthetics) and summarize the overall management strategy for each, indicating how their management will be integrated. 2 LOCATION i Describe the location of the tract so that anyone reading the plan could find the property easily. i Describe access to the tract in relation to the proposed management recommendations. i Optional location materials to consider: i legal descriptions i county road maps i property plats MARKETS i Consider all the markets available to the landowner: i timber products i pine straw i other forest products i hunting rights i recreation users i Provide as much information as possible on the location and nature of these markets (timber buyer's list, pine straw producer's directory, etc. could be put in the appendix and referenced here). i When appropriate, price information may be given here. i Agency plans should include a cautionary statement about the pitfalls and hazards of selling timber and the need for professional assistance when doing so TOPOGRAPHY i Draw in the tract on the appropriate USGS Topographic map with map scale for inclusion in the plan. i Identify all areas where topography will limit the management of the resources in any way. SOILS i The NRCS will provide maps, interpretive information and a table listing productivity and management concerns. This is required in all plans. All soil maps and other associated material can be found online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/. i Soils which are designated by the NRCS as hydric (possible wetland sites) or those considered highly erodible should be clearly indicated. i Include pertinent information on wetlands regulations and the interaction of wetlands and/or highly erodible conversions to USDA program benefits as specified by the Farm Bill. i Address BMPs in this section and include a copy of Recommended Best Management Practices for Forestry in Georgia in the Appendix. i Identify off-road trails and recommend appropriate stabilization to minimize erosion. 3 BIODIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS RARE, THREATENED & ENDANGERED SPECIES i General statements about the importance of protecting and enhancing rare, threatened, and endangered species should be included in all plans i If RTE species are known to exist in that county then detailed information on that species should be provided to the landowner in the Appendix of the plan. Fact sheets, location maps and county lists are available online at: http://www.gohuntgeorgia.com/content/displaycontent.asp?txtDocument=89. i If it is suspected that RTE species exist on a tract, then the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Non-Game Conservation Section office should be contacted for verification by phone at (770) 761-3035 or via mail at 2065 Hwy 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025. The presence of the species should then be documented in the plan. SPECIAL NATURAL AREAS i Identify special natural areas and provide specific management advice for those areas. i Information on the community types considered as special natural areas can be found here: ARCHAEOLOGICAL, CULTURAL & HISTORIC RESOURCES i Any sites of archaeological, cultural, or historical significance should be identified and located. These might include old buildings, roadbeds, or artifacts of previous use. i Every attempt should be made to convince the landowner to preserve and protect such resources so that they will be available to future generations. i Significant archaeological sites should be brought to the attention of the State Archaeologist, Historic Preservation Division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 34 Peachtree Street, NW Suite 1600, Atlanta, GA 30303, or call (404) 656-2840. CONSERVATION EASEMENTS i If an easement exists on the property its guidelines and requirements must be strictly followed and incorporated into the plan. i All plans should include the following statement regarding conservation easements: Conservation easements are a valuable tool for landowners interested in pursuing longterm protection and stewardship management of their property. Working forest conservation easements are permanent but do not affect the landowner's right to conduct harvests or other management activities. For more information on conservation easements contact the Georgia Land Conservation Program at 404-463-5715 or visit their website http://glcp.georgia.gov. 4 ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE i List appropriate sources of assistance and services available including contact person's name, phone number, and address. i Suggestions include: i Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) i Farm Services Agency i DNR Game Management i GFC i Cooperative Extension Service i Consulting Foresters & Wildlife Biologists i Industry landowner assistance programs i Vendors i Suppliers i Include information about the Georgia Forestry Commission's Carbon Sequestration Registry here. For more information contact Josh Love at 478-751-3482 or joshl@gfc.state.ga.us. i All plans should include the following statement regarding federal cost share programs: Several federal cost share programs are available to financially assist landowners in the management of their forest resources. The Forest Lands Enhancement Program (FLEP) and Southern Pine Beetle-Prevention and Restoration Program (SPBPR) is administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission. The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) are administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Landowners participating in these programs incur certain obligations when they take federal funds. They must agree to install the practices according to the program specifications and maintain each practice, at their expense, for the term of the contract. Interested landowners should study these programs and the obligations they impose carefully before making any participation decisions. i Extensive lists can be referenced here and included in an appendix. AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH i All plans should include a camera or digital reproduction and enlargement of an aerial photo of the property including a legend showing the landowner name, county, and correct map scale. i A designation of magnetic north should be drawn on the photo, and all property lines plainly marked. i The division of stands on the photo should have the same numbering scheme as the stand descriptions in the plan along with acreages. i All marking and lettering should be neat in appearance. 5 GENERAL MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS i Suggested general recommendations should be provided and may include the following: i All land management practices should seek to mitigate the impact on the soil and water resource as well as conserve and enhance native biodiversity. i Establish, mark, and maintain the property boundaries. For liability purposes, posted signs should be used. Try to avoid placing these signs on trees especially those with timber value. If trees must be used, aluminum nails should be used to secure the signs. i Firebreaks should be installed around all pine stands and a prescribed burning regime established. A prescribed burn should be used on a 1-5 year rotation to reduce fuel buildup, control unwanted hardwoods, and promote early successional habitat. Break stand into 15-40ac compartments to better facilitate management. Most burns should be conducted in late winter or early spring; however, summer burns may be used as a hardwood control method. The burn should be done under very specific weather conditions. The Georgia Forestry Commission or a consulting forester can assist you with this operation. i Conduct periodic thinning to maintain at least 30% of ground in direct sunlight. A residual basal area of 65-75 ft2/ac is a good compromise between timber production and wildlife management. Evenly scatter slash from thinning throughout, and remember to retain 4-6 hardwood snags/acre where possible. Thinning more heavily within (30-120 ft) stand edge along roads, firebreaks, and openings provides better access, improves fire protection, and promotes transitional habitat for wildlife. i Retain mast-producing hardwoods during thinning in groups or stands. Oaks should comprise of remaining trees with rest being a variety of soft-mast producers. Discourage conversion of existing hardwoods (e.g., oak, hickory, cypress) unless recommended by professional. i Removal of cull or inferior trees for firewood is encouraged. Release of good, mast bearing trees (acorn, nut, and fruit producers) can be attained by removing any lesser valued trees that are crowding them. The oaks and yellow poplars will have a higher value than a sweetgum. When harvesting trees for firewood, protect all snags 12' diameter at breast height (4.5ft above the ground) or greater for use by cavitydependent wildlife species. i Establish and maintain Streamside Management Zones (SMZ) following "Recommended Best Management Practices for Forestry in Georgia"; however, most wildlife benefits from wider (100-300ft) SMZ's along creeks, lake sites, and other drainages. Vehicle and heavy equipment use should be restricted within the SMZ. i When creating any new woods roads, the guidelines set forth in "Recommended Best Management Practices for Forestry in Georgia" should be followed. Water control structures, such as water bars, water turnouts, and broad-based dips, should be installed on all woods roads where needed to prevent erosion. Any new permanent woods roads, openings, or log decks should be seeded with recommended vegetation to limit erosion and create suitable wildlife habitat.. All erosion control methods used should conform to USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service standards. i On properties where game management is emphasized, strive for 5-20% of the property to be in wildlife openings. Loading decks, powerline right-of-ways, adjacent roadways, firebreaks, agricultural fields, and fallow areas can be used as wildlife openings. Manage for native forages by prescribed burning, winter disking, or planting 30-50% of opening on a 1-3 year rotation. A soil sample is beneficial to determine lime and fertilizer needs. More information for game management practices can be found at http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us, click hunting, publications & information, manage wildlife on your lands. 6 SPECIFIC STAND DESCRIPTIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS i Delineate and identify each stand type on the aerial photograph. i Special Natural Areas should be treated as individual stand types, delineated, and numbered on the aerial photograph. i Each stand should be fully described and a picture of each provided so that the landowner knows what he has and what the condition is. Stand information should include stand origin, age, overstory species composition, basal area per acre, and understory condition. i The extent to which a particular resource is described should relate to the landowners interest in that resource. See below. i The following should be addressed in the description section: i Timber resource. If timber management is a primary or secondary interest of the landowner, then a thorough description of the timber should be included. Proprietary information such as volumes and value may be added at the discretion of the forester. This information should be presented in a form that is both understandable and useful to the landowner. Tables should only be used when there is a clear reason for doing so. i Wildlife resource. If wildlife management is a primary or secondary interest of the landowner, then extensive information on the habitat and conditions of populations should be given. i Soil & water resources. Any critical soil conditions occurring within this stand should be fully described. A general description of the soil (including a measure of productivity) may be given if it is pertinent to the anticipated management recommendations, but remember that the soils should have been fully described already and redundancy should be avoided. Describe water resources with comments on water quality. When wetland conditions are present or likely, report it by stand or stand type. i Recreation resources. Existing recreation use in the stand should be detailed, if applicable. Potential resource use and development should be covered as well. When this is a primary or secondary objective of the landowner, considerable detail is expected here. i Aesthetics resource. Comment on the aesthetic appeal of the stand, but tread lightly (remembering that beauty is often in the eye of the beholder!). Any eyesores should be detailed here. When this is a primary or secondary objective of the landowner, considerable detail is expected here. i Recommendations for each stand should immediately follow the description for that stand (before the next stand is described). i Recommendations should address multiple use management as indicated by the landowner's choice of objectives and not focus on only a single resource. A bulleted list, numbered phrases, or bold action statements should be used for recommendations under each stand type. i Recommendations should offer specific management details for both water quality and forest health considerations. Specific recommendations from BMP manual should be integrated where necessary under each stand type. i Recommendations should be explained in layman's terms, be concise and easy to understand and should include: i timetable including season and year i anticipated total costs and revenues, if available i sources of assistance for the particular action recommended (or sources of materials, etc.) 7 TABLES i A summary table for recommendations by year must accompany all plans and should be organized to list the recommended practices by year, then by stand so that the landowner can use this table directly as a work scheduling and progress measuring tool. This table should include the following: i schedule (year, season, etc.) i description of practice i extent or acres i total cost or revenue, if available (useful for planning purposes) i A summary table for timber stand information may be a good idea if timber is of primary or secondary importance and there is a clear need to summarize the information for improved understanding or quick reference. Such a table should benefit the landowner and may not be useful or needed in all instances. Using tables for window dressing should be avoided. i A volume and value summary may be appropriate but should be accompanied by a disclaimer stating that volumes and values should not be used for sales purposes and are in no way guaranteed. APPENDIX ITEMS (Optional) i Glossary: a glossary of forestry terms is helpful to most landowners. i Sources of assistance: lists of vendors, consultants, government agencies and programs, timber buyers, etc. along with an explanation of what they are are very helpful to landowners. i Literature: Any literature referenced in the plan which covers recommended practices and management techniques should be included for the landowner to study as he wishes. This will allow the forester to write a more streamlined plan by leaving out long explanations. 8 Statewide Program Specialists Buford Sanders, State Stewardship Coordinator Georgia Forestry Commission 1055 E. Whitehall Rd. Athens, GA 30605 706-542-9939 bsanders@gfc.state.ga.us Eric Darracq, Stewardship Wildlife Biologist Georgia Department of Natural Resources 2109 US Hwy 278 SE Social Circle, GA 30025 770-761-1697 Eric_darracq@dnr.state.ga.us Geoff Rockwell, Stewardship Forester Georgia Forestry Commission 1609 Davis Ave. Tifton, GA 31794 229-388-9023 grockwell@gfc.state.ga.us Lynn Lewis-Weis NWTF/NRCS/GFC Cooperative Biologist Certified Wildlife Biologist National Wild Turkey Federation P.O. Box 566 Waynesboro, GA 30830 Office/Fax (706) 554-0592 Cell (803) 480-1840 lynn.lewis@att.net Keith Wooster USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service 355 E. Hancock Ave. Athens, Ga. 30601 706-546-2115 Keith.Wooster@ga.usda.gov Jason Lupardus, Stewardship Wildlife Biologist Georgia Department of Natural Resources 601 Tallahassee Road Albany, GA 31721 229-420-1290 Jason_lupardus@dnr.state.ga.us Jody Potts, Stewardship Outreach Coordinator Georgia Forestry Commission 1055 E. Whitehall Rd. Athens, GA 30605 706-542-9228 JPotts@gfc.state.ga.us Reggie Lanier Conservation Forester Georgia Forestry Commission 61949 Hwy 46 East Metter, GA 30439 912-685-2077 rlanier@gfc.state.ga.us District 1 Rome 2 Gainesville 3 Washington 4 Newnan 5 Milledgeville 6 McRae 7 Americus 8 Waycross 9 Camilla 10 Statesboro Forester District Stewardship Foresters GFC E-mail Address Josh Burnette jburnette@gfc.state.ga.us Gregg Jameson Keith Murphy Lee Milby Chris Barnes gjameson@ gfc.state.ga.us kmurphy@ gfc.state.ga.us lmilby@ gfc.state.ga.us cbarnes@gfc.state.ga.us Kent Johnson Lisa Duncan Jamey Kent kjohnson@ gfc.state.ga.us lduncan@ gfc.state.ga.us jakent@ gfc.state.ga.us Sharonte Edmond Aaron Burton sedmond@ gfc.state.ga.us aburton@ gfc.state.ga.us 3086 Martha Berry Hwy NE Rome, GA 30165 1055 East Whitehall Road Athens, GA 30605 1465 Tignall Road Washington, Ga. 30673 2035 Ethridge Mill Road Griffin, Georgia 30224 119 Highway 49 Milledgeville, GA 31061 473 Bowens Mill Hwy Fitzgerald, GA 31750 243 US Highway 19 North Americus, GA 31719 5003 Jacksonville Highway Waycross, GA 31503 3561 Hwy 112 Camilla, GA 31730 18899 US Hwy 301 N Statesboro, GA 30461 Contact Numbers Phone: 706-295-6021 Fax: 706-295-6921 Phone: 706-542-9610 Fax: 770-531-4080 Phone: 706-678-2015 Fax: 706-678-1766 Phone: 770-412-4753 Fax: 770-229-3457 Phone: 478-445-5164 Fax: 478-445-2897 Phone: 229-426-5262 Fax: 229-426-5261 Phone: 229-931-2436 Fax: 229-931-2762 Phone: 229-333-7817 Fax: 912-284-2911 Phone: 229-522-3580 Fax: 229-522-3583 Phone: 912-681-0496 Fax: 912-871-1719 9 CHECK LIST 1. Landowner Application: Regardless of who writes the FSP, a program application must first be completed by the landowner and returned to the Georgia Forestry Commission. 2. Standard Soils Information: It is the responsibility of the professional writing the plan to obtain from the USDA NRCS a soils map and standard soils information report. 3. Topographic Map and Aerial Photograph: These are available free through the Georgia Forestry Commission but may be obtained from other sources. 4. Endangered Species Information: County specific information is available through the Georgia Forestry Commission. 5. Customized Notebook: All plans are presented in ring binder notebooks supplied by the Georgia Forestry Commission. Customized covers for each notebook are created when the landowner application is received. 6. Literature: The many cooperating agencies in this program provide a wide variety of published literature on all aspects of forest resource management which, when included in an Appendix, may enhance the landowner's understanding and enjoyment of the plan. 7. Approval: All plans must be reviewed and approved in the manner described in this booklet before they can be considered official Forest Stewardship Plans under this program. Georgia's Forest Stewardship Program Cooperating Agencies: i Georgia Forestry Commission i Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division i Univ. of Georgia Warnell School of Forest Resources i USDA Farm Services Agency i USDA Forest Service i USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service An Equal Opportunity Provider 10 Updated 3/2009