A unified approach to managing the forest in the Turtle Mountain region of North Dakota has come to fruition with the completion of the Turtle Mountain Landscape Forest Stewardship Plan. As one would imagine, these precious forest resources are essential to an agency like the North Dakota Forest Service. However, these forested resources are critical to many others, including other agencies, businesses, and stakeholders throughout the state. That is why a group of invested individuals were tasked with writing a cross-boundary Forest Stewardship Plan encompassing the entire Turtle Mountain Region in North Dakota. The plan's goal is to establish the current baseline condition of the forested resource and identify mutual goals for future forested conditions. This plan will improve and promote the legacy of the Turtle Mountain landscape and capture what it means to all who live, visit, and recreate in the region.

Anyone who has traveled to the Turtle Mountain region of the state would understand why the Turtle Mountain region was chosen for the state's first Landscape Forest Stewardship Plan. For those unfamiliar, this region is a place unlike anywhere else in North Dakota, with an aspen and birch forest that makes you think you are in another state. This forest system needs regular management to sustain its ecological importance and unique wildlife habitat qualities, which are essential elements of the forest to different stakeholders.

The group that worked on the plan was comprised of the North Dakota Forest Service, North Dakota Game and Fish, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, North Dakota State University Extension, and various other regional stakeholders. These agencies and individuals were concerned about the decline in the forest due to insufficient management in the region. This decline can be attributed to a decrease in timber harvested for home heating that once effectively maintained the ecological balance over previous generations.

After over a year of collaboration, the Turtle Mountain Landscape Forest Stewardship Plan is complete. The plan developed various goals and objectives to promote a healthy forest for future generations while continuing to provide multiple uses, like fantastic recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat for the ever-elusive ruffed grouse, and maintaining a safe and resilient forest for years to come.

For readers interested in learning more about the plan, it can be found at www.ag.ndsu.edu/ndfs. Scroll to the bottom of the page and find it under the quick links section, labeled “Turtle Mountain Landscape Forest Stewardship Plan. Questions about the plan can be directed to Cody Clemenson at cody.s.clemenson@ndsu.edu or 701-228-5490. If you want to learn more about how to best manage the forest on your property, you can request a site visit by calling 701-228-5490 or 701-683-4323.

 By Cody Clemenson, Forest Stewardship Specialist, North Dakota Forest Service