Wisconsin Forest Management Guidelines

The Wisconsin Forest Management Guidelines (FMG) celebrates the wealth of our forest resources and emphasizes our responsibility to care for them. It outlines practical, site-specific considerations that land managers need to take into account when they plan and carry out forestry operations. The FMG covers sustainable forest management principles that can serve recreation, wildlife habitat improvement, endangered species protection, water quality, forest products and many other objectives.

The 300+ page FMG is written for resource managers and enthusiasts. As a result, it might be somewhat difficult for a general reader, but our hope is that it is straightforward and appealing enough to be easily understood.

The Wisconsin Forest Management Guidelines is available at no cost in digital and print media:

• View or download the FMG in PDF format
• Order a free copy of the FMG on CD. The CD version (produced in cooperation with the UW Extension and the University of Wisconsin Department of Forest Ecology and Management) includes a high-resolution version of the FMG and dozens of additional natural resources publications to help woodland owners learn about and practice sustainable forestry. Mail your request for a CD to: Wisconsin DNR - Forestry Publications, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707.
• Obtain a printed version of the book if you are a Wisconsin natural resource manger, Wisconsin timber producer or Wisconsin forestry enthusiast. Due to a limited supply of the printed books, DNR and partners will distribute the print edition primarily at training sessions.

Dozens of writers contributed to the FMG. About half the book is derived from a similar project completed by the Minnesota Forest Resources Council in 2000. Wisconsin DNR and University of Wisconsin specialists prepared the new material. Hundreds of reviewers supplied comments through the course of five public open house meetings held in 2002-2003. Professional graphic design and photography add to an outstanding product.

Application of the FMG is voluntary, but the document does refer to statutes, administrative rules and programs that could involve mandatory procedures or prohibitions. In those situations, users are encouraged to review original source regulations for specifications that might not be covered in the FMG.