Forest Management
About Kansas Forests
Kansas is home to 2.5 million acres of rural forestland covering an estimated 5% of the state. 93% of forest land in Kansas is privately owned. Located on an ecotone where central hardwood forest meets prairie, our state contains diverse forest types including oak-hickory woodlands, elm-ash-cottonwood forests, oak savannas, and Cross Timbers.
From providing wood products to offering recreational opportunities, forests provide endless benefits to people and our ecosystems. Sustainable forest management can be applied to enhance these benefits while improving the health and resiliency of forests. Tailored to each unique forest and landowner, management activities achieve objectives related to ecological restoration, wildlife habitat, recreation, forest health, wildfire risk, and timber quality. Keep scrolling to learn more about your forest and actions you can take to steward it.
Forest Stewardship
Sustainable forest management considers ecological, social, and economic systems to protect and support healthy forests that benefit current and future generations. Caring for a forest looks different depending on its attributes and management goals. Visit our Rural Foresty page to learn how Kansas Forest Service foresters can assist with forest management on your property.
Well-managed forests provide habitat for wildlife such as squirrels, deer, turkey, songbirds, and box turtles.
Timber stand improvement can increase growth and quality of a forest by concentrating resources on high-value trees.
Invasive species are capable of severely degrading our native ecosystems.
Long-Term Conservation
Preserving our ecosystems and the benefits they provide is a vital component of conservation efforts. Landowners can permanently protect their land through conservation easements established by organizations like accreddited land trusts and through programs such as the Forest Legacy Program.
Learn what plants can tell you about the forest.
Check out a new ecosystem map of the modern Kansas landscape.
For more information on forest stewardship, management, or conservation, reach out to your local Rural District Forester.