The Northwoods Forest Conservation series: resources for managing and conserving our forestlands

Northwoods Alliance & Partners in Forestry Cooperative are proud to release a series of booklets under the Northwoods Forest Conservation title. Each addresses a different aspect of forest management and conservation in the Northwoods, though the content is relevant throughout northern forest regions, and reflects a great deal of collective experience and knowledge from our organizations’ networks.

These handbooks are available in print form, and are also available digitally upon request. Printing costs are covered by the UW Center for Cooperatives and several private donors, but we greatly appreciate donations toward postage and our ongoing efforts to create and distribute these resources. Please use the “Contact” and “Donate” buttons in the main menu to request a handbook.

New in 2023: We have released a complete second edition of these handbooks, including a print edition of all three handbooks in a single bound book. All handbooks, including the comprehensive edition, can be found digitally below. Contact us at nwa (at) nnex.net for the print edition.

We are still gladly accepting donations for use of these handbooks. We have made all freely available in digital form (below), using the password: nfc2021handbook

Northwoods Forest Conservation: a Handbook

In fall 2020, we released Northwoods Forest Conservation: A Handbook.  This 64- page (full size) book has a dozen contributing writers who are active in our network and who are dedicated to conservation of forested lands in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In addition, we celebrate past accomplishments by highlighting project successes and honoring those who contributed. The booklet is a grassroots primer on conservation practices and the diverse value of conservation to the public, especially future generations.

Following the release of this handbook, we sought additional input on the needs of woodland owners to sustainably manage their lands. These discussions prompted further research and connections, and resulted in the release of two additional booklets in this series focused on more specific topics.

The file at the link below is our updated 2023 edition of this handbook.

Northwoods Forest Conservation: Celebrating local wood and alternative forest products

In June of 2021 we released an informative handbook encouraging woodland owners to look no further than their own forestland and their local community to supply their lumber and wood use needs. This 44-page discussion provides practical resources for using different wood products, from decorative uses to fuel to lumber, and includes how your own woodland can act as a central component in the economic and ecological health of your community. Specifically, this handbook includes in-depth dialogue on the Wisconsin Local Lumber Use Law, guidance on drying lumber, measuring volumes in logs and lumber, biological properties of certain Northwoods species you may consider using, and many tips on using them. We also provide graphics to help one better understand grading of soft wood construction lumber, and even suggestions on construction techniques. The booklet wraps up with information on non-traditional forest products you may consider from your woodlots, and of course a brief page on wood for fuel.

The file at the link below is our updated 2023 edition of this handbook.

Northwoods Forest Conservation: Managing Forestlands for the future

In mid-summer 2021 released another full-length handbook on forest ecology. This includes a very thorough investigation into the threats of forest fragmentation and climate change, but the writing goes much deeper than that. We discuss bio-diversity, features and requirements of northern species, the benefits of older stands of trees and old-growth forests, and wildlife requirements and we consider what a land manager can do to see their forest lands contribute to the greater good.

The file at the link below is our updated 2023 edition of this handbook.

Partners in Forestry Cooperative and Northwoods Alliance operate solely on the efforts of dedicated volunteers, and no one receives compensation for their tireless efforts in promoting northern forest conservation. Please consider joining our efforts, and please do contribute to assist our conservation efforts and public outreach.