By Andi Anderson
Landowners across 44 counties in Ohio, including the entire Appalachian region, now have access to free site visits and expert advice on forestry and wildlife habitat improvements. This opportunity is part of a USDA-supported effort by Rural Action's Forestry and Watersheds programs.
With funding from the USDA and partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), these programs help landowners manage forests, improve water quality, and restore natural habitats. The Forestry team focuses on practices such as forest farming, silvopasture, sustainable tree planting, and invasive species removal. The Watersheds team assists with streambank reforestation, floodplain restoration, and protecting local wildlife and water.
The goal of these programs is to help landowners develop detailed management plans, gain technical knowledge, and access financial resources to implement sustainable land-use practices. This service is entirely free and allows landowners to walk their property with experienced staff, discuss their goals, and receive follow-up support tailored to their needs.
Local landowners have shared how these visits offered valuable guidance, helping them identify plant species, plan new growth, and improve forest health. Andrea Miller, Sustainable Forestry Program Director, explains that forest farming can help preserve declining species like American ginseng and goldenseal while offering landowners additional income.
“Healthy forests are key to healthy watersheds, and we see the most benefit to water quality and wildlife habitat with forested areas next to water. In the transitional zone between a body of water and the surrounding land, vegetation forms a buffer that shelters wildlife, slows stormwater and floodwater, and captures sediment and pollutants,” said Ryan Gilliom, Watersheds Project Specialist.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Ohio, Business