Explore other NRE majors
Back to Forestry facts and figures

Web site helps landowners make conservation decisions

Harvard Post |

A new Web site launched by the University of Massachusetts Extension's Forest Conservation Program targets private landowners facing critical decisions about their land. MassWoods.net provides valuable information about local and statewide resources to support landowners facing the two most critical conservation decisions of land ownership: selling timber and planning the future of their property.

The site, which also serves as the main portal for UMass Extension's Forest Conservation Program, features an interactive map to direct landowners to service foresters, private foresters, land trusts and conservation organizations working in their town. The site features monthly updates aimed at delivering timely information about landowner decisions, issues, and programs.

"Most landowners enjoy their land on a day to day basis for privacy, recreation and wildlife viewing. It is only periodically that something triggers the need to make a decision about their land. It is critical to deliver information to landowners at these crucial conservation points," says Paul Catanzaro, Forest Resources Specialist at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. MassWoods.net is designed to connect the landowner with local professionals and resources when that moment arrives.

Since 75 percent of Massachusetts forests are owned by private landowners, the decisions landowners make affect not only the landowners themselves, but also the public benefit their forests provide to local communities and the Commonwealth as a whole.

"The future of the Commonwealth's natural resources, biodiversity and water quality is in the hands of these family forest owners." Catanzaro continued. "It is critical for landowners to know their options and how to contact conservation professionals working in their town to help them make an informed decision."

The Web site www.MassWoods.net will be maintained and regularly updated by Paul Catanzaro, Forestry Resources Specialist at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Back to Forestry facts and figures