Forest stewardship is the wise management and use of forest resources to ensure their health and productivity for years to come. Wildlife is an integral part of any healthy forest community. Forests provide food and shelter for numerous wildlife species. In return, many of these species aid in seed dispersal, forest pest control, and many other ecological tasks that perpetuate healthy forests. Stewardship involves managing your forest so that populations of native species of wildlife persist for future generations. No matter how large or small your forest is, you can make a difference. Information presented in this publication will provide you, the landowner, with the basic knowledge you will need to begin wildlife stewardship on your property. Additional information on managing woodlands for wildlife is available from Penn State Extension offices, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the Forest Stewardship Program. In addition, a list of publications on Pennsylvania wildlife is provided at the end of this article.

Benefits of Wildlife

As a forest manager, the landowner plays an important role in ensuring that present and future generations can enjoy the many benefits of wildlife. In Pennsylvania, more than 60 percent of all adults participate in some form of recreation related to wildlife. Watching a scarlet tanager alight on a branch, identifying ten species of warblers on your own forest tract, or pursuing a white-tailed deer on a cold November day are all recreational activities associated with wildlife. A major benefit gained from owning forestland is being able to hunt wildlife on your own property. Forest landowners also can enjoy the beauty of wildlife. Listening to a wood thrush sing, admiring a monarch butterfly perched on a milkweed, or watching a red fox dash across a forest clearing can be inspirational and provide a soothing break from an otherwise hectic day.