Land Management
Welcome to the Land Management section of the MSU FCCP’s Landowner Resource Hub. This section aims to provide resources to expand landowners' knowledge and comfort with forest management as it pertains to carbon storage and climate change. On this page, we point to resources from other Extension groups, the USDA Forest Service, and MSU databases.
Table of Contents
- NIACS Adaptation Workbook
- FOCCE Planning for Carbon and Climate-Smart Forestry
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources Forest Stewardship Program
- BeLeaf It or Not! YouTube channel
- Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, Forest & Water Fund
- Michigan Society of American Foresters Forest Management Guide
- FOCCE: How to Manage Forests for Carbon: An Introduction for Family Forest Owners
- Managing Forests in a Changing World: MSU FCCP Webinar
- Michigan State University Extension: Forestry
- Climate Change Response Framework: Michigan Private Landowner Climate Scorecard + Actions
NIACS Adaptation Workbook
The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) produced the Adaptation Workbook to help land managers frame management actions in the lens of climate change. The workbook provides a non-exhaustive list of management options to consider and implement. It can be used to aid in thinking about adaptive management and climate threats.
FOCCE Planning for Carbon and Climate-Smart Forestry
This landing page points landowners towards resources about considerations to make before entering a carbon project. These resources can be helpful in weighing the tradeoffs of entering a carbon project, as well as conducting climate-smart forestry activities.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Forest Stewardship Program
Michigan DNR developed this program to connect private landowners with foresters to develop land management plans. The program has four steps; they are:
- Identify your goals and find a forester to help accomplish them
- Your forester will conduct a land inspection to understand its forest resources
- You and your forester prepare a personal forest stewardship plan
- The plan is put into action
BeLEAF It or Not! YouTube Channel
This YouTube channel, created by Bill Cook and Georgia Peterson, both formerly of MSU Extension, aims to increase landowner fluency in key issues surrounding forest management. Video topics include controlling invasive species, fire as a forest management tool, and ownership rights.
Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, Forest & Water Fund
This program provides up to $25,000 in cost share funds to landowners to conduct forest management actions that improve forest health and local water quality. Covered practices include establishing high carbon reserves, implementing prescribed fire to improve forest resilience, conducting ecological tree plantings, or other climate resilience treatments.
Michigan Society of American Foresters Forest Management Guide
This informal guide provides economic and historic context on the forests of Michigan, as well as guidelines for conducting forest management. Additionally, this webpage provides resources to landowners looking to create a forest management plan. The characteristics of a sound forest management plan are also defined, as seen below:
- Management plans begin with a clear statement of the landowner’s objectives, both general and specific, for the short and long run.
- Maps depict the physical attributes of the property, including vegetative cover types (stands), streams, roads, wetlands and other important characteristics. Additional maps that show soil types or treatment areas may be helpful.
- A narrative description assesses the current condition of the property and its physical and biological capability to provide desired goods and services.
- An intended course of action outlines alternatives that promote sustainable forest management. This may include plans for planting, thinning and harvesting. Regular monitoring of forest resources will help keep the plan updated and relevant.
FOCCE: How to Manage Forests for Carbon: An Introduction for Family Forest Owners
This article walks family landowners through managing forests with carbon security as a goal. It discusses key risks to forests, as well as opportunities to implement improved forest management.
Managing Forests in a Changing World: Webinar
Sara Kuebbing, Director of Research at the Yale Applied Science Synthesis Program, presented “Managing Forests in a Changing World” in the 2025-26 FCCP Learning Exchange Series. This webinar addressed overarching questions concerning land management and climate change.
Engaging and Supporting Family Forest Owners in Climate-Smart Forestry: Webinar
Melissa Kreye, Associate Professor of Forest Resources Management, Penn State University, presented “Engaging and Supporting Family Forest Owners in Climate-Smart Forestry” at the 2025-26 FCCP Learning Exchange Series. This webinar provides recent research and findings about developing an extension program to support family landowners.
Michigan State University Extension: Forestry
This landing page for MSU Extension Forestry points towards a wide range of resources. Landowners can reach out to Extension directly with questions about forest management.
Climate Change Response Framework: Michigan Private Landowner Climate Scorecard + Actions
This report helps landowners assess climate risk and key vulnerabilities on their property. It can guide management decisions to improve forest resilience and resistance to threats. This scorecard can be brought to a consulting forester to help guide conversation about specific vulnerabilities observed in individual forests.
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