A course entitled "Forestry Management for the Private Woodland Owner" will be offered by Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, the Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, and the Hoosier Heartland Resource Conservation & Development Forestry Committee to assist private landowners in becoming more knowledgeable managers of their woodland resource. The course will be held on eight Monday evenings beginning Jan. 16, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Hendricks County at the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, Plainfield. There will also be two Saturday morning field trips (dates to be announced) scheduled to experience first hand woodland management activities.

Class topics that will be covered include tree species identification, forest biology, tree measurement, wildlife management, timber stand improvement, timber marketing and harvesting methods, timber taxation and record keeping, and economics. The registration fee is $85 and includes the cost of the course, materials, tree identification book, and a tree measuring stick.

The emphasis of the course will be devoted to teaching basic forest management principles. If you own woodland, sell timber occasionally, manage a tree plantation or are considering some forestry investment, this class is a must for you.

Beginning with the basics of tree identification and how a tree grows, the class will explore the diverse $3 billion Indiana forest products industry and the fine hardwood products it produces.

The class will discuss soil and site considerations, species selection and planting techniques, mowing and herbicides for weed control and insect and disease problems for those who are planting trees or managing tree plantations. Participants will learn the basics and receive hands-on experience to manage established timber stands including quality and volume estimations on a Saturday field trip in the woods.

When done properly, timber stand improvement is a proven method of increasing the quality and growth rate of a woodland. However, species to manage for and selecting the right crop tree are very important. Research has indicated that simple management techniques such as cull tree removal, thinning and vine control may double growth rates in a woodland.

Selection, marketing and taxation

Your woodland may contain trees that are mature, overcrowded, or otherwise not increasing in value. Selecting the proper trees to sell and using the best marketing procedures will ensure that sellers will receive the highest value for their timber.

Did you know that allowing a 16-inch diameter white oak to grow to be 24 inches may increase its value by four times or more? Class participants will learn the best methods of selling timber to maximize the return on the woodland investment.

How do you treat the extra income from your timber sale at tax time? What is a depletion allowance and how are woodland-related expenses handled are only a few of the topics to be covered in the taxation session. A little knowledge can save a woodland owner many dollars at tax time.

To obtain a brochure with registration materials for the course, contact Hoosier Heartland RC&D office at (317) 290-3250 or visit our website at www.hhrcd.org.