Looking Back, Planning Ahead: Reflecting on 2025 and Planning for 2026

By Jennifer Hunt (Content Writer), Myra Jones (Regional Cost-Share Specialist), and Griff Dorn (Area Manager)

As another year winds down, many take time to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future. The same thing is true with forest management, and our foresters and land managers routinely meet with clients to evaluate the goals and objectives they have for their forest land. Here’s how we help clients look back at the past year and chart a clear path forward for their land.

Different Approaches for New and Seasoned Landowners

When reflecting on the past year, we evaluate the activities and practices that were planned, determine what has been completed, and address what has yet to occur. During this time, we also assess the impacts of completed activities on the land and compare them to the client’s objectives for the property. At this time, clients thoroughly examine what they wish to accomplish on their land, whether it’s habitat improvement for wildlife, harvest planning, timber harvesting, conservation, etc. During this reflection period, the conversations and needs vary depending on a landowner’s experience. While some seasoned landowners have a strong grasp on the objectives they have for their land, newer landowners may find this to be an overwhelming task. Here are some ways we would approach a seasoned landowner versus a newer landowner:

• Seasoned: These landowners typically have management ideas and goals in mind, and their plans may require simple refinement rather than reinvention. This means that we facilitate the implementation process for them, whether it’s scheduling a harvest, prescribed burns, or chemical treatments. Myra Jones, Regional Cost-Share Specialist, can find avenues of cost-share to ease some of the landowners’ financial burden, allowing them to bring their goals to fruition.
• New: When foresters work with newer landowners, they begin by taking a tour of the property and helping a landowner assess what the property offers. Certain opportunities may not be immediately obvious to a landowner, and this is where our expertise shines. We have a meaningful conversation with clients about what they would like to see on their property, and we provide them with options and alternatives to ensure they are successful. We develop a thorough and detailed Forest Stewardship Plan, including a schedule to maximize any timber goals, including prescribed burns, spraying, thinning, final harvest, and replanting.

Whether a landowner is new or experienced, plans need regular evaluation to stay aligned with long-term goals. Our foresters are qualified to help landowners in every stage of the ownership process.

Factors That Shape Management Decisions

When we help clients update and revisit existing management plans to ensure they are still aligned with long-term goals, we take several factors into consideration.

• Markets: The timber market is a dynamic space where the only constant is change. The timber market moves constantly, influenced by mill capacity and closures, housing and construction activity, interest rates, economic conditions, global supply and demand, and emerging industries. At times, economics determine when a particular goal should be completed, and we strive to help landowners make sound, sensible decisions while taking all factors into consideration.
• Weather: This plays a huge role in when and how particular management activities can be carried out. Access issues and ground conditions can impact supply, which pushes prices up, and logistical bottlenecks have market implications as well. Other weather events like hurricanes, fires, and ice storms can lead to timber salvage situations, but the window is relatively narrow.

Having a forester or land manager on the landowner’s side is crucial when faced with challenges like these. AFM has market expertise and an in-depth understanding of how the geography impacts a landowner’s property. With markets shifting and weather shaping what’s possible on the ground, cost-share programs can provide important support.

Reducing Costs Through Cost-Share Opportunities

As mentioned earlier, certain land management activities can be expensive or cost-prohibitive for landowners. Our Regional Cost-Share Specialist has significant experience finding funding for various activities, including Forest Stewardship Plans. She works with clients, local governments, and non-governmental organizations to find the bridge between the management plan and cost-share. Although this process is described as “hurry up and wait,” AFM develops plans, maps, cost estimates, and timelines for clients to streamline the process as much as possible. As with anything, each program will have pros and cons to consider, but our team is dedicated to helping clients make the best decisions.

Although cost-share can be daunting, our specialist works as the liaison between the client and the cost-share provider. She handles everything from eligibility paperwork to plans, maps, and field visits with the agency providing the cost-share opportunities. She shared, “Cost share is part of your tax dollars, so if it makes sense, take advantage of it.” Of course, funding is only part of the picture. Success also depends on having a knowledgeable forester guiding each step.

The Value of Having a Forester On Your Side

Lastly, success is highly dependent on having a forester or land manager on your side to support and implement your management decisions. Our foresters ensure the correct timing of events, pay attention to details, and consider wildlife and natural resources on a property to make the most effective plan possible. Not only is our team knowledgeable, but they also have many hands-on experiences to determine the specific impacts that certain management activities may have; for instance, how a road or riparian area may be affected by thinning a stand.

It's important to note that management plans are fluid, and foresters can assess and evaluate the effectiveness of a particular plan to ensure that activities are on the right track. Our foresters are Certified Foresters, and many have excellent relationships with state agencies and commissions, ensuring that they are diligently providing sound advice to clients.

As you reflect on 2025 and begin shaping your goals for 2026, keep AFM in mind. We’d be honored to help you turn your vision into a practical, effective plan.