“The power of the program is that it comes to you. Everyone tends to procrastinate, and to have someone come to me and schedule a visit was what it took to get moving on my woodlot plan. Thanks for the program!”

–Landowner visited by a Master Forest Owner Volunteer


Why is this Program Necessary?    
Over 14 million acres of woodland in NY State are privately owned by approximately 500,000 nonindustrial forest owners. That’s over 3/4 of New York’s total forest area! It is estimated that less than 1/4 of the state’s private forest holdings are purposefully managed despite the educational programs and technical services available. In order to reap the benefits of this vital resource, sound stewardship is necessary. Stewardship objectives involve management practices that ensure ecologically sound forest productivity. Forests represent a precious commodity that, if wisely managed, can generate a variety of economic, ecological, and aesthetic values to forest owners and their communities, generation after generation.

Program Results
The MFO/COVERTS program has helped over 1,000 forest owners via on-site visits since its inception in 1991. The program has shown very encouraging results. Mail surveys of owners who were visited by MFOs, showed that the value of information received was rated a 4.2 on a 5-point scale. As a result of the visit:

  • 34% of the forest owners prepared a written management plan, and 18% plan to do so.
  • 60% of the forest owners met with a professional forester, and another 20% plan to do so.
  • 32% of the forest owners implemented wildlife management practices, and 21% plan to do so.
  • 42% of the forest owners sought out more information on forest management, and another 7% plan to do so.
  • 20% of the forest owners used the information to save or earn on average $7,000 in the year preceding the survey.
In addition, MFOs annually participate in hundreds of community service efforts involving forestry education

Are you interested?   
An on-site, no-obligation visit is absolutely free! Forest owners from across the state may contact a Master Forest Owner for information about the program and discuss opportunities for obtaining more satisfaction from one’s woods. At your request, an MFO will arrange a half-day visit with you at your woodlot to get a first-hand look and discuss sources of assistance or information. MFOs are experienced and knowledgeable individuals who can put you in touch with the right people to meet your goals. The MFO can also be instrumental in helping you develop a management plan for your property.
Click here to find an MFO in your area for a free visit.
Click here if you are interested in becoming an MFO volunteer.

  For more information on the program contact:
      Gary Goff MFO/COVERTS Program Director
      Fernow Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.
      Phone: (607) 255-2824.    E-mail: grg3@cornell.edu.              
      

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