Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust – Lessons Learned

• It is important to consider what will happen to land after it is protected.
• Stewardship activities cost money and staff time. It is important to identify ways that land can help pay for the costs of stewardship.
• Look to the communities served by your organization when assessing the possibility of forest management activities. Does it fit with their culture and philosophies?
• Managing for timber can create a reliable and renewable revenue source for conservation organizations, educate the public about stewardship through example, and contribute to a locally-based, working forest economy.
• Forest management activities should be opportunities to educate and engage the public. Avoid the appearance that it is something to hide.
• The best way to encourage good stewardship is to practice good stewardship.
• Some people will never approve of cutting trees and that is okay.
• Organizations interested in managing for timber can start small and develop a forest management plan for one parcel. This creates an opportunity for discussion between the organization and its constituents and avoids an abrupt change in organizational philosophy.