Resource Publications & Guides

Good forest management starts with good information.

Owning woodland is both an opportunity and a responsibility. Whether you are a new forest landowner, have managed your property for years, or are simply interested in learning more about Illinois forests, reliable information can help you make informed decisions.

The Illinois Forestry Association (IFA) has compiled this collection of Illinois forestry resources, publications, programs, and professional assistance to help woodland owners better understand their forests and manage them for the future.

Planning a Timber Harvest?

Timber harvesting can be an important part of responsible forest management—but it should be carefully planned.

A professional forester can help determine whether a harvest is appropriate for your woodland and how it can be designed to meet both short- and long-term objectives.

Before selling timber, learn about:

• Timber volume and quality

• Current timber markets and prices

• Stumpage values

• Timber sale contracts

• Licensed timber buyers

• Harvesting practices

• Forest regeneration

• Illinois Forestry Best Management Practices

• Potential tax considerations

Illinois Extension provides resources specifically addressing timber harvesting and recommends that landowners consider professional assistance when planning and marketing a timber sale.

Learn More About Timber Management & Harvesting →

Forest Health & Invasive Species

Healthy forests require ongoing attention. Invasive insects, diseases, invasive plants, changing environmental conditions, and other disturbances can affect forest health and regeneration.

Illinois Extension and IDNR provide resources on forest health, invasive species identification and management, forest restoration, and emerging threats.

Explore Forest Health Resources →

Explore IDNR Forest Health Resources →

Financial Assistance & Stewardship Programs

There may be financial and technical assistance available to help landowners implement forest management and conservation practices.

The IDNR Forestry Assistance Program provides technical assistance to private forest landowners and includes opportunities for cost-share assistance for eligible forest stewardship practices.

Programs and eligibility requirements can change, so landowners should check current program information before beginning a project.

Explore IDNR Forestry Assistance Programs →

Illinois Forest Action Plan

The Illinois Forest Action Plan provides a statewide framework for identifying forest resource priorities and strategies. Priorities include forest health, forest management, forest products, wildlife habitat, urban and community forests, and strengthening the state's forestry workforce and infrastructure.

The plan emphasizes collaboration among public agencies, private landowners, forestry professionals, conservation organizations, and other partners to address challenges facing Illinois forests.

Learn More About the Illinois Forest Action Plan →

Forest Management for Wildlife

Well-managed forests can provide important habitat for birds, mammals, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Forest management decisions can influence forest structure, species composition, tree age, understory vegetation, dead wood, and habitat connectivity. Illinois Extension provides resources that connect forestry and wildlife management.

Explore Forestry & Wildlife Resources →

A Few Good Publications to Keep Handy

IFA recommends these resources as particularly useful starting points for woodland owners:

Illinois Forestry Best Management Practices
Practical guidance for protecting soil, water, wildlife, and forest resources during forestry activities.

Planning to Harvest Timber? Consider Hiring a Consultant
An introduction to the importance of professional assistance when planning a timber harvest.

Forest Trees of Illinois
A field guide for identifying Illinois trees.

Illinois Timber Price Bulletins
Historical and current information useful for understanding Illinois timber markets.

Illinois Forest Action Plan
A statewide assessment of Illinois forest resources, challenges, and priorities.

Wooden Dollars Quarterly
Current information about Illinois timber markets, wood products, and the forest industry.

These and many additional publications are available through Illinois Extension and IDNR.

Explore. Learn. Manage.

Your woodland is a long-term investment.

Good forest management takes time. The decisions made today can influence the health, productivity, wildlife habitat, beauty, and value of a forest for decades to come.

IFA encourages woodland owners to learn about their forests, establish clear management goals, seek professional advice when needed, and use reliable, science-based information to guide their decisions.

And remember: you don't have to be a professional forester to be a good forest steward.