From Dream to Reality: Bryan Schmeiser's Journey of Forest Conservation

By Kris Vance

Bryan Schmeiser, a resident of Carmel, Indiana, dreamed of owning a piece of land where his children could explore nature, build forts, and enjoy the outdoors just as he did in his youth. Located about an hour south, in Morgan County, Indiana, Bryan found an 80-acre plot of land that needed a lot of work but he knew would be a perfect investment with a little TLC.

When Schmeiser purchased the property in 2015, his primary goal was to provide a recreational space for his family, a place where they could escape the suburban environment. The land offered a perfect setting for activities that were integral to Bryan's childhood.

“I bought this place as a location to recreate,” said Schmeiser.  “We live in Carmel, which is located on the north side of Indianapolis, and we live in a regular neighborhood with houses all around.  I grew up more in the country and I always wanted my kids to have a spot to do the things I used to do on my grandpa’s farm.”

So, Schmeiser set out to create his dream property.  From the beginning, Schmeiser knew he wanted to enroll in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources - Division of Foresty’s (IDNR-Forestry) Classified Forest and Wildlands program for tax benefits. Through research and with the assistance of IDNR-District Forester, Zach Smith, he quickly navigated the enrollment process. By August, just a few months after his purchase, Schmeiser had his property approved for the program. This initial step opened the door to further opportunities for conservation and land management.

Schmeiser’s journey into conservation deepened when Smith introduced him to the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP).  Smith identified invasive species on Bryan's property and recommended contacting Tony Branam, the NRCS District Conservationist to discuss financial incentive opportunities to help control invasive species. Branam's guidance was instrumental in helping Schmeiser find suitable programs that aligned with his recreational goals without restricting his use of the land.

Under EQIP, Schmeiser undertook a three-year project focused on Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) and invasive species treatment. This program laid the groundwork for future conservation efforts. After his EQIP contact was finished, Branam introduced Schmeiser to another opportunity— the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).  CSP is designed for landowners that want to elevate their conservation efforts. Schmeiser entered into another contract for an additional five years of invasive species control and a forest enhancement called E666R Forest Songbird Habitat Maintenance that utilizes Indiana’s Forestry for the Birds program.

Forestry for the Birds is an innovative program designed by the Sam Shine Foundation and The Nature Conservancy to provide landowners with the tools they need to enhance habitat for forest dependent songbirds experiencing population declines.  The program provides management recommendations that facilitate and simplify the management of bird-friendly forests. Pairing Forestry for the Birds with NRCS programs, like EQIP and the CSP, becomes a powerful conservation option for landowners. 

“Three billion birds have disappeared from the US and Canada since 1970. That's 29% fewer than we had fifty years ago,” said the Sam Shine Foundation’s Director of Forest Programs, Allen Pursell.  “Landowners are making the connection that birds are disappearing at a quick rate, and they can do something about it.”

Schmeiser enrolled in CSP through NRCS and elected to utilize forest songbird habitat maintenance and brush management to improve wildlife habitat enhancements, both which maintain and enhance habitat for identified wildlife species – in Schmeiser’s case, songbirds.

Dan McGuckin, an NRCS Technical Service Provider (TSP) and president of Habitat Solutions, became an essential partner in this new endeavor. As part of the CSP contract, Schmeiser’s property was assessed for bird species through two breeding bird surveys. The surveys revealed an impressive diversity of birdlife, with 47 different species identified. Guided by these findings, Schmeiser implemented targeted Forestry for the Birds management practices to help benefit various bird species.

“Bryan didn't really have any strong feelings about what species he wanted to manage for, but he was interested in bringing wildlife back to the area.  We looked at the bird survey results and chose several species identified in the Forestry for the Birds program,” said McGuckin.  “We ended up doing a lot of understory work and creating several small openings, trying to make better habitat for hooded warblers and some of those birds that need really young successional forests.”

Managing forests, especially invasive species, is not a short-term commitment and landowners committed to improving their forest should have a long-term vision.  Schmeiser utilized EQIP for the first three years of invasive species control to help address a serious invasive species infestation.  The results of these efforts were significant. He then enrolled in CSP for five additional years of follow up invasive species control and bird habitat management. The property transformed, with native trees and shrubs flourishing where invasive species once dominated. The bird populations are responding positively to the forest management, showcasing the program's effectiveness and the landowner’s commitment to conservation.  

“The Forestry for the Birds program is a fun program because a lot of forest management work, whether it's making openings or managing the forest understory, provides great ecological benefits for the forest and the birds respond quickly. So, if you create an opening, the songbirds are going to find it and utilize it really fast,” said Dan Shaver, state forester for Indiana NRCS. “It’s just a great way to get people engaged and see the results because the birds respond so quickly.”  

While Schmeiser acknowledges that he could have pursued these conservation efforts independently, the financial assistance from the programs made it feasible to be more aggressive and undertake more extensive and costly projects. And Schmeiser emphasizes the support and guidance from professionals like Branam and McGuckin were invaluable, simplifying the process and ensuring successful implementation.

“Honestly, my favorite part of this process is that there are professionals that are out there that can help walk you through this. I never felt like I was doing it by myself. That was my initial concern, that I'm signing up for this program and I don't know if I can handle it.”

Bryan's commitment to conservation has not only enhanced his property but also garnered recognition, including a Conservationist of the Year award from the Morgan County Soil and Water Conservation District. He credits Branam’s behind-the-scenes efforts and the collaborative spirit of the conservation community for these achievements.

“Bryan is that customer that we all want to work with when assisting landowners to achieve their conservation goals and objectives,” said Branam. “His commitment and engagement to conservation makes him the customer we are all willing to above and beyond to assist, and brag about.”

Looking ahead, Bryan hopes his children and future generations will continue to cherish and care for the land. He envisions a future where his family can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of the forest, creating lasting memories and continuing the conservation legacy he has begun.

“I can't save the world, but I can save these 80 acres, you know, and that's kind of the way I've been thinking about it,” said Schmeiser.  “It'd be cool if the other landowners in Indiana did the same thing or even just half of them. I mean, how cool would that be?”

Bryan Schmeiser's story is a testament to the impact that dedicated landowners can have on conservation. Through his proactive approach and the support of various programs, Schmeiser has not only realized his vision of a dream property and recreational haven but also contributed meaningfully to the preservation and enhancement of Indiana's natural heritage.

To get started on your conservation journey or enhance the forestry work you have already done the first step is to reach out to your local IDNR District Forester (https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/private-forestland-management/district-foresters/ ) or NRCS District Conservationist (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center). Financial assistance through both EQIP and CSP is available to help you create your dream property.

Kris Vance is a public affairs specialist with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.