“Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner” will meet on eight Thursday evenings, beginning Jan. 26 and running through March 16, at the Indiana Division of Reclamation Office in Jasonville, on State Road 48.

The purpose of the course is to assist private woodland owners in becoming more knowledgeable managers of their woodlands. If you own woodland or are considering buying woodland, are considering selling timber, want to enhance the wildlife habitat on your land, or just plain enjoy the beauty of your woods, then this class is for you.

Class topics include: Indiana's forest resource, tree species identification, forest biology, forest culture and inventory, managing woodland investments, timber marketing and harvesting, recordkeeping and taxation, wildlife management, cost-share programs and forestry assistance available to landowners.

The course is designed to help woodland owners who have little knowledge of forestry practices.

Beginning with the basics of tree identification and how a tree grows, the class will explore the diverse $3.5 billion Indiana forest products industry and the fine hardwoods it produces. The class will assist you in making tree planting decisions such as matching the right tree species to the proper soil and site, preparing the site for planting, tree planting techniques, and weed control.

Managing your timber requires knowledge of how to improve the quality and growth of the trees. Simple management techniques such as cull tree removal, thinning, and vine control may double growth rates in your woodland. Learn how foresters estimate timber volume, quality, and value, and how they select trees for harvest. Find out how you can obtain a fair price for your timber and ensure that you have a healthy, valuable forest following logging for future enjoyment and income.

For instance, did you know that by allowing a 16-inch diameter white oak to grow to 24 inches may increase its value by four times or more? Class participants will also learn the best methods of marketing and selling their timber.

How do you treat the extra income from your timber sale at tax time? How do you ensure that your good management of the forest will continue with future generations? Timber taxation and estate planning are only a couple of the topics to be covered in the “Managing the Woodland Investment” session. A little knowledge can save a woodland owner many dollars at tax time.

Many people enjoy hunting or watching wildlife in the forest. Principles and techniques for improving wildlife food and cover in your woods will be taught.

This is the 26th year the class has been offered in Indiana. It will meet from 7 to 9:30 p.m. EST each night. There will also be two Saturday morning field trips - Feb. 11 and March 11 - so participants can experience, firsthand, various woodland management activities.