Timber Stand Improvement

Timber Stand Improvement

The woodlands of Indiana contain a rich diversity of living and non-living things that provide aesthetic beauty, watershed protection, wildlife habitat and timber resources. However, the arrangement and quantity of these things are not always as well placed as is desirable. By manipulating certain elements in the woodland through timber stand improvement (TSI), a forest can be healthier and more productive, and can meet the land use objectives and needs of the private forest landowner.

Forest Improvement Handbook

Purdue University has developed a great Forest Improvement Handbook. It covers everything from developing Woodland goals to Improvement methods. There's even a section about finding cost share assistance.
Follow this link to the Purdue Ext. Educ. Store, Forest Improvement Handbook
More information is also available at the Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources website.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry

The mission of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' Division of Forestry is to promote and practice good stewardship of natural, recreational and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations.

Division of Forestry Home Page

The Woodland Steward

The Woodland Steward Institute is made up of 11 member organizations. The purpose of the Institute is to promote the wise use of Indiana's forest resources. Most of this work is accomplished through tri-annual meetings and the Woodland Steward publication, printed and mailed three times per year.

Woodland Steward Website

Who to call for Help

The Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District is always available to help you find the answers you need. Stop by our office located in the USDA Service Center at 575 South Lake Rd S in Scottsburg, or call 812-752-2269, ext. 3. You may also send an email by
clicking here.

District Foresters, through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Division of Forestry, provide landowners with technical assistance and guidance with their forest management. They can be a wealth of information and can provide you with help to enroll in many of the government cost share programs mentioned below. Scott County's District Forester is Maddie Westbrook. She may be contacted at Selmier State Forest office at (812) 346-2286 or by email to
mwestbrook@dnr.in.gov

District Wildlife Biologists, through IDNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife are available to offer assistance in wildlife habitat management projects. Scott County's District Wildlife Biologist is Shannon Winks. She may reached by email at
swinks@dnr.in.gov or by phone at (812) 358-2253.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist provides technical assistance and administers cost share for soil and water protection projects. The Scott County District Conservationist is Jennifer Kipper. She can be reached by emailing
jennifer.kipper@usda.gov or by calling 812-752-2269, ext. 3.

Private consultants and private natural resource professionals provide comprehensive forest and wildlife management services - they will do the work for you - for a fee. The services they offer as well as their fees, may vary. As with any other venture, it's best to check credentials and ask for references before hiring someone. The Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association's
Directory of Professional Foresters may be of help.