Snowy hardwood trees in forest

Assistance for Forest Owners

Private Forest Management
Find a Forester

A forester is a specialist with advanced education, using his or her abilities and knowledge of forestry and natural sciences to provide professional forestry services to private individuals, corporate and government entities. Whatever your goals are for your woodlot, a professional forester can help. A forester can provide you with the technical expertise to help with a variety of services including improving conducting a timber sale, creating forest trails, creating wildlife habitat, or planting trees. The type of forester you should choose will depend on the type of service and complexity of the service you are interested in.

DEC Foresters - Located throughout the state, DEC foresters are available upon request, depending on availability to help landowners get started managing their land by creating a basic stewardship plan and providing technical assistance at no cost.

Consulting and Industrial Foresters- Independent individuals and small businesses provide a wide array of forestry services to landowners. The DEC Cooperating Forester Program provides a list of consulting and industrial foresters who can help you meet your forestry goals. These foresters charge a fee and are able to provide a wide array of forestry services that complement the free service provided by DEC foresters.

 

Visit the Find a Forester page for more information.

Cornell Cooperative Extension

Master Forest Owner Program

  • Purpose: The New York Master Forester Owner (MFO) program, with over 200 volunteers, is coordinated by Cornell Cooperative Extension. The goal of the program is to provide private, nonindustrial woodlot owners with the information and encouragement necessary to manage their woodlot holdings wisely.
  • Activities: Volunteers arrange free, half-day woodlot visits to discuss sources of information and assistance. Contact: website: www.cornellmfo.info, for a visit or to become an MFO, please contact the Regional Director for your county.
  • Regional Directors:
    • Brett Chedzoy, [email protected], 607-535-7161; Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins
    • Kristina Ferrare, [email protected], 315-424-9485; Cayuga, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, St. Lawrence
    • Ron Frisbee, [email protected], 518-622-9820; Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester
    • Laurel Gailor, [email protected], 518-885-8995; Albany, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, Washington
    • Emily Staychock, [email protected], 315-536-5123; Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates
  • Learn more about the Master Owner Forest Program by visiting their website.

 

Cornell Cooperative Extension County Offices

 

CountyAddressPhone
AlbanyWilliam Rice Jr. Ext. Ctr., 24 Martin Rd, Voorheesville, New York 12186518-765-3500
Allegany5435A County Road 48, Belmont, New York 14813585-268-7644
Broome840 Upper Front Street, Binghamton, New York 13905-1500607-772-8953
Cattaraugus28 Parkside Drive, Ellicottville, New York 14731716-699-2377
Cayuga248 Grant Avenue, Suite I, Auburn, New York 13021-1495315-255-1183
Chautauqua3542 Turner Road, Jamestown, New York 14701-9608716-664-9502
Chemung425 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 107607-734-4453
Chenango99 North Broad Street, Norwich, New York 13815-1386607-334-5841
Clinton6064 Route 22, Suite 5, Plattsburgh, New York 12901-9601518-561-7450
Columbia and Greene6055 Route 23, Acra, New York 12405518-622-9820
Cortland60 Central Avenue, Room 140, Cortland, New York 13045607-391-2660
Delaware34570 State Hwy 10 Suite 2, Hamden, New York 13782607-865-6531
Dutchess2715 Route 44, Millbrook, New York 12545845-677-8223
Erie21 S. Grove St., East Aurora, New York 14052716-652-5400
Essex3 Sisco St., PO Box 388, Westport, New York 12993518-962-4810
Franklin355 West Main Street, Suite 150, Malone, New York 12953518-483-7403
Fulton and Montgomery20 Park Street, Room 202, Fonda, New York 12068518-853-2135
Genesee420 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020585-343-3040
Hamilton1722 State Rt. 8, P.O. Box 7, Room 20, Piseco Common School, Piseco, New York 12139518-548-6191
Herkimer5657 State Route 5, Herkimer, New York 13350315.866.7920
Jefferson203 North Hamilton Street, Watertown, New York 13601315-788-8450
Lewis5274 Outer Stowe Street, Lowville, New York 13367315-376-5270
Livingston3 Murray Hill Dr., Mt Morris, New York 14510585-991-5420
MadisonP.O. Box 1209, 100 Eaton Street, Morrisville, New York 13408-1209315-684-3001
Monroe2449 St. Paul Blvd., Rochester, New York 14617585-753-2550
Nassau5 Old Jericho Turnpike, Jericho, New York 11753516-433-7970
New York City40 E. 34th Street (or 183 Madison Avenue), Suite 606, New York, New York 10016212-340-2910
Niagara4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport, New York 14094-1139716-433-8839
Oneida121 Second St, Oriskany, New York 13424315-736-3394
OnondagaThe Atrium, Suite 170, 100 South Salina St, Syracuse, New York 13202315-424-9485
Ontario480 North Main Street, Canandaigua, New York 14424585-394-3977
Orange18 Seward Avenue, Suite 300, Middletown, New York 10940845-344-1234
Orleans12690 State Route 31, Albion, New York 14411585-798-4265
Oswego3288 Main Street, Mexico, New York 13114315-963-7286
PutnamTerravest Corporate Park, 1 Geneva Road, Brewster, New York 10509845-278-6738
Rensselaer61 State Street, Troy, New York 12180518.272.4210
Rockland10 Patriot Hills Drive, Stony Point, New York 10980845-429-7085
Saint Lawrence2043B State Highway 68, Canton, New York 13617315-379-9192
Saratoga50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, New York 12020518-885-8995
Schenectady107 Nott Terrace, Suite 301, Schenectady, New York 12308-3170518-372-1622
Schoharie and Otsego173 South Grand Street, Suite 1, Cobleskill, New York 12043-4649518.234.4303
Schoharie and Otsego123 Lake Street, Cooperstown, New York 13326518.234.4303
Schuyler323 Owego St Unit #5, Montour Falls, New York 14865607-535-7161
Seneca308 Main Street Shop Centre, Waterloo, New York 13165-1455315-539-9251
Steuben3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, New York 14810-1557607-664-2300
Suffolk423 Griffing Avenue, Suite 100, Riverhead, New York 11901631-727-7850
Sullivan64 Ferndale Loomis Rd, Liberty, New York 12754845-292-6180
Tioga56 Main St., Owego, New York 13827607-687-4020
Tompkins615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, New York 14850-3555607-272-2292
Ulster232 Plaza Road, Kingston, New York 12401-2928845-340-3990
Warren377 Schroon River Rd., Warrensburg, New York 12885518-623-3291
Washington415 Lower Main Street, Hudson Falls, New York 12839518-746-2560
Wayne1581 Route 88 North, Newark, New York 14513315-331-8415
Westchester3 West Main Street, Suite 112, Elmsford, New York 10523-2414914-285-4620
Wyoming36 Center Street, Suite B, Warsaw, New York 14569585-786-2251
Yates417 Liberty Street, Suite 1024, Penn Yan, New York 14527-1130315-536-5123
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC)
Division of Lands and Forests

Purpose: To foster public awareness and appreciation for forest stewardship and the contribution forests make to the enhancement of rural and urban environments; to encourage the highest attainable level of management of forestland to meet landowner goals; to improve contact between landowners, professional foresters, and timber harvesters; to protect and manage, in a manner that best serves the well-being of the people, both the human and forest resources on public lands placed under the jurisdiction of the Division; and to highlight the obligations incumbent upon the stewards and users of New York forestlands.

Activities: In accordance with the New York Cooperative Forest Management Act, State Service Foresters will provide on-site assistance with forest management (advice and planning), establishment of forest plantations, care of immature stands, and, provide advice on the marketing of timber products. The DEC sponsors the NYS Cooperating Forester Program (private foresters can provide extensive individual services, adhere to the NYS forestry best management practices (BMP), and adhere to the Society of American Foresters Code of Ethics) and the NYS Cooperating Timber Harvester Program.

Visit the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation website to learn more.

Contact: Bureau of Private Land Services - Central Offi ce, Albany, 518-457-7370, Regional offices listed below

 

DEC Regional Forestry Offices

RegionCounties ServedPhone
3Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester845-256-3000
4Albany, Columbia, Rensselaer, Schenectady 518-357-2355 Delaware, Greene, Montgomery, Otsego, Schoharie518-357-2355; 607-652-7365
5Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Washington, Warren518-897-1276
6Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, St. Lawrence315-785-2239
7Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, Tioga, Tompkins315-426-7400
8Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Yates585-226-2466
9Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, Wyoming716-851-7200

 

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
County Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs)

Purpose: Soil and Water Conservation Districts are special purpose districts created and authorized under state law to develop and carry out a program of soil, water, and related natural resource conservation programs. There are 58 SWCDs in New York - one in each county, including the five boroughs of New York City.

Activities: SWCDs provide technical assistance to residents, landowners and units of government on soil and water related issues. They also coordinate and provide access to a number of federal, state and where applicable, local conservation programs. Woodland services provided by individual districts vary depending on local needs. Some districts offer services in woodland management in cooperation with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, especially in the area of erosion control during timber harvesting operations.

Visit the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Soil and Water Conservation website to learn more.

 

CountyAddressPhone
AlbanyPO Box 497, 24 Martin Rd., Voorheesville, NY 12186(518) 765-7923
Allegany5390 County Rd. 48, Lot A, Belmont, NY 14813(585) 268-5840
Broome1163 Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905(607) 724-9268 ext. 5
CattaraugusPO Box 1765, 8 Martha St., Suite 2, Ellicottville, NY 14731(716) 699-2326
Cayuga7413 County House Road, Auburn, NY 13021(315) 252-4171 
Chautauqua 220 Fluvanna Ave., Suite 600, Jamestown, NY 14701(716) 664-2351
Chemung851 Chemung St., Horseheads, NY 14845(607) 739-2009
Chenango99 North Broad St, Norwich, NY 13815-1388(607) 334-8634 ext. 3
Clinton 6064 Route22, Suite 1, Plattsburgh, NY 12901(518) 561-4616 ext. 3
Columbia1024 Route 66, Ghent, NY 12075-3200(518) 828-4386 ext. 5
Cortland100 Grange Place, Room 202, Cortland, NY 13045(607) 756-5991 ext. 3
Delaware44 West Street, Suite 1, Walton, NY 13856(607) 865-7161
Dutchess2715 Route 44, Suite 3, Millbrook, NY 12545(845) 677-8011 ext. 3
Erie50 Commerce Way, East Aurora, NY 14052-2185(716) 652-8480 ext. 5
EssexPO Box 407, 3 Sisco Street, Westport, NY 12993(518) 962-8225
Franklin151 Finney Blvd., Malone, NY 12953-9622(518) 483-2850
Fulton113 Hales Mills Road Ext., Johnstown, NY 12095-9742(518) 762-0077
Genesee29 Liberty St., Suite #3, Batavia, NY 14020(585) 343-2362
Greene907 County Office Bldg., Cairo, NY 12413-2868(518) 622-3620
HamiltonPO Box 166, 103 County View Dr., Lake Pleasant, NY 12108-0166(518) 548-3991
Herkimer5653 State Route 5, Herkimer, NY 13350(315) 866-2520 ext. 5
JeffersonPO Box 139, 21168 NYS Rt. 232, Watertown, NY 13601(315) 782-2749
Lewis5274 Outer Stowe St., Suite 1, Lowville, New York 13367(315) 376-6122
Livingston11 Megan Drive, Suite 2, Geneseo, NY 14454(585) 243-0043
Madison6503 Wes Rd., Hamilton, NY 13346(315) 824-9849
Monroe145 Paul Rd., Bldg. 5, Rochester, NY 14624(585) 753-7380
Montgomery4001 St. Hwy. 5S, Fultonville, NY 12072-1721(518) 853-4015
Nassau1864 Muttontown Road, Syosset, NY 11791(516) 364-5860
New York City121 Sixth Ave., Suite 501, New York, NY 10013 (212) 431-9676
Niagara4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport, NY 14094(716) 434-4949 ext. 4
Oneida121 Second St., Room E 204, Oriskany, NY 13424(315) 736-3334
Onondaga6680 Onondaga Lk. Parkway, Liverpool, NY 13088 (315) 457-0325
Ontario480 North Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424(585) 396-1450
Orange225 Dolson Avenue, Suite 103, Middletown, NY 10940(845) 343-1873
Orleans446 West Avenue, Albion, NY 14411-1589(585) 589-5959
Oswego3105 State Route 3, Fulton, NY 13069(315) 592-9663
Otsego967 County Hwy 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326(607) 547-8337 ext. 4
Putnam841 Fair Street, Carmel, NY 10512(845) 878-7918
Rensselaer61 State Street, Troy, NY 12180-3496(518) 271-1740
Rockland50 Sanitorium Rd. Bldg. K, Pomona, NY 10970(845) 364-2670
St. Lawrence1942 Old DeKalb Rd.,Canton, NY 13617-3134(315) 386-3582
Saratoga50 West High St., Bldg. 5, Ballston Spa, NY 12020(518) 885-6900 ext. 3
Schenectady24 Hetcheltown Road, Glenville, NY 12302(518) 399-6980
Schoharie173 South Grand St., Suite 3, Cobleskill, NY 12043(518) 823-4535
Schuyler2400 Meads Hill Rd., Watkins Glen, NY 14891(607) 535-0878
Seneca2041 US Route 20, Suite 2, Seneca Falls, NY 13148(315) 568-4366 Ext. 4
Steuben415 West Morris Street, Bath, NY 14810(607) 776-7398 Ext. 3
Suffolk423 Griffing Ave., Suite 110, Riverhead, NY 11901(631) 852-3285
Sullivan64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd., Liberty, NY 12754(845) 292-6552 ext. 101
Tioga183 Corporate Drive, Owego, NY 13827(607) 687-3553
Tompkins170 Bostwick Road, Ithaca, NY 14850(607) 257-2340
Ulster5 Park Lane, Highland, NY 12528(845) 883-7162 ext. 5
Warren394 Schroon River Road, Warrensburg, NY 12885(518) 623-3119
Washington2530 State Route 40, Greenwich, NY 12834-9627(518) 692-9940 ext. 3
Wayne7312 Route 31, Lyons, NY 14489(315) 946-7200
Westchester148 Martine Ave., Room 432, White Plains, NY 10601-4704(914) 995-4423
Wyoming36 Center Street, Warsaw, NY 14569(585) 786-5070
Yates417 Liberty St., Suite 1034, Penn Yan, NY 14527(315) 536-5188
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Degrees in Environmental Science and Forestry

Purpose: To provide comprehensive and timely public service programs on environmental science and forestry, involving research, instruction, and public information activities.

Activities: The College offers curricula leading to various professional degrees, such as forestry, environmental and forest biology, wood products, and forest technology. The College communicates environmental and forestry knowledge to a variety of off-campus clientele, including forest-related businesses, industries, and landowners through its public service programs. These programs include continuing education, conferences, and extension. A number of forestry publications and films are also available upon request.

Visit the SUNY ESF website to learn more.

Contact: (315) 470-6600

USDA Farm Service Agency
Forest Management Programs

Purpose: To administer several national programs which involve forest management such as the Agricultural Conservation Program (ACP), the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and the Forestry Incentives Program (FIP). The Stewardship Incentives Program (SIP) is administered by the DEC Division of Lands & Forests for the Forest Service and assistance is provided by FSA.

Activities: Forest owners who meet eligibility requirements of various programs may be reimbursed for costs incurred in select forest management practices such as planting trees, wildlife management, improving stands by thinning, and preparing sites for natural regeneration.

Visit the USDA Farm Service Agency website to learn more.

State Contact: USDA FSA. 441 S. Salina St., Suite 356, Syracuse, NY 13202, phone: 315-477-6300

USDA Forest Service
Ecosystem Management and Programs

Purpose: To manage national forests and grasslands through an ecosystem management approach that integrates ecological integrity with sustainable forestry and agriculture. The forests are managed for appropriate uses including grazing, timber, wildlife, outdoor recreation, and watershed protection. Additional goals are: to conduct research in the entire field of forestry and wild land management; to encourage conservation education programs; and to cooperate with the state and private landowners in the application of sound management practices.

Activities: Through State and private forestry programs, and regional Forest Experiment Stations, the Forest Service develops and distributes general and technical forest information publications. In addition, regional personnel often give presentations at professional and educational seminars. The Finger Lakes National Forest in Schuyler & Seneca Counties is the only National Forest in the state of New York. The Forest is open to the public for a variety of outdoor recreation activities and sponsors environmental education programs for local schools and youth groups. Limited timber, firewood harvesting permits, and grazing rights are issued.

Visit the USDA Forest Service website to learn more.

Contact: Technical forest information publications, contact the State and Private Forestry Program, USDA Forest Service, Cooperative Forestry, P.O. Box 96090, Washington D.C., 20090, phone: 202-205-1389

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Activities and Services

Purpose: To take a comprehensive approach to conservation planning and provide individuals and communities with technical advice and assistance to solve natural resource challenges on the nation’s private lands- -reducing soil erosion, improving soil health, protecting water quality and supply, conserving wetlands, and providing fish and wildlife habitat.

Activities: NRCS foresters prepare guides, specifications, and information sheets on forest soil conservation, and train field staff in applying practices with complete conservation plans. The NRCS works closely with the County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (located at most NRCS offices) which in some cases offer technical forest management services under the direction of NYS DEC foresters. NRCS also administers a Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program; six RC&D’s in New York have active forestry committees which promote the development of the state’s forest resources.

Visit the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website to learn more.

Read the full publication here.