Managing Your Woods by Ann Hansen

The book Managing Your Woods by Ann Hansen is an excellent primer on woodland management. It is written from three unique perspectives on forestry – the landowner, the consulting forester, and the naturalist.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of the key elements of sustainable forest management, including maintenance, conservation and enhancement of ecosystem biodiversity, protection of ecologically important forest areas, prohibition of forest conversions, and recognition of free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples.
The book also outlines the five elements of a management plan: statement of landowner goals and objectives, location, protection and maintenance, stand descriptions and inventory data, and forest management prescribed activities.
Additionally, it provides a step-by-step guide to urban forest management plan success, which includes forming the team, analyzing the current condition, engaging the community, creating the plan, and implementing the living document.
The purpose of forestry management is to focus on managing vegetation, restoring ecosystems, reducing hazards, and maintaining forest health. This book provides readers with the knowledge and tools they need to understand and manage their own woods. It covers topics such as ecology, finances, dendrology, tree identification, and more.
What I Liked
I loved how practical and straightforward this book is.
What I Did Not Like
I wish it had some region-specific tips, especially for wildlife.
- Comprehensive overview of sustainable forest management
- Practical and straightforward writing style
- Covers a wide range of relevant topics
- Lacks region-specific tips, particularly for wildlife