Forest Planning/Technical Assistance
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry has professional foresters (Area Foresters) stationed across the state who provide technical assistance. They have been specifically trained to collect information on resources and work with landowners to develop forest management plans.
The primary program for providing technical assistance is the Forest Stewardship Program. TDF foresters conduct on the ground assessments to determine the condition of timber resources, forest health, cultural resources, wildlife habitat and water quality. Foresters then prepare a comprehensive forest management plan based on landowner objectives. Foresters also follow up with landowners to encourage the implementation of the plan. Group workshops and presentations, the division’s web site, and County Forestry Associations (CFA’s) are other forms of technical assistance coordinated through TDF.