Change is one little word with lots of implications. For some, change can be scary. For others it may be a motivating cry to action and for some just a fact of life. In 2008, we heard the word “change” a lot. As we start 2009 change is upon us. As a country we are adjusting to a new president and a national economy that has been changing more than most people would like.

For woodland owners, care needs to be taken before making changes to your  property. Having a bad timber harvest can set the productivity of a forest back for decades. Implementing a wildlife management practice without the proper advice or planning may open up your property to invasive plants or not help the wildlife in the way you intended. The Woodland Steward is the most widely distributed source of forest and wildlife management advice and recommendations in Indiana. This is one thing that we do not want to see change in 2009.

The Woodland Steward Institute was started in 1991 with a mission to educate the citizens of Indiana and others concerning forestry and natural resource issues. For the past 17 years the Woodland Steward has tried not to change this focus. We have produced and distributed a relevant forestry publication with important information for landowners and citizens alike related to forest management, wildlife management, timber markets, invasive species, threatened and endangered species, wood products and the forest industry. The Woodland Steward is distributed three times a year to almost 35,000 individuals each printing. The funding for this endeavor comes from four primary sources.

Charter Member Organizations – The 11 member organizations pictured on Page 2 each support the Woodland Stewards with annual dues. They all participate on the Board of Directors and are deeply committed to the Woodland Steward Institute and The Woodland Steward. Woodland Steward Supporters – Individuals and companies that support the mission of the Woodland Steward Institute and show their commitment with annual donations and business cards in The Woodland Steward.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) – Every county in Indiana has a SWCD whose purpose it is to provide information about soil, water and related natural resource conservation. Many SWCDs across the state donate funds to distribute all or some of the newsletter to the landowners in their county (check the back page to see if you county supports The Woodland Steward).

The fourth source of funding is from landowners and private donations. This publication is sent free to anyone on the mailing list. We do solicit our readers once a year for a donation. In this issue you will find a donation envelope. Please take the time to read through The Woodland Steward and reflect on what your land means to you, what benefits you get from the forest, and how the local parks, forests and wildlands you drive by every day make you feel. Or consider the role nature played in your childhood or your life during times of change. If you are so moved, the Woodland Steward Institute would welcome a donation to support our mission and ensure the continued production of The Woodland Steward for 2009.

Thanks you for your support.

Sincerely,