Consider: The People
While the Woodlots Program's goals are ecological in nature, the program is really about people. It's a sharing of knowledge, resources, and connections to a place, and that can't be forgotten when running a program.
These essential people include:
The Landowners
As the desired outcomes of the program rely on the stewardship and conservation of private forest land, landowners are the most essential element for the functioning of the program, and so all decisions are made with landowners' goals and best interests in mind. If the program isn't working for participating landowners, it isn't working at all. If you're starting your own program, you may have questions like "How many landowners?" "Which landowners should be invited?" or "What makes landowners want to engage?"
Program Leadership
A Woodlots Program takes significant administration, which is something to consider if you'd like to start a program. Do you have someone--whether a staff member or a volunteer--who has the time necessary to run a program? CHC is happy to share details of our current set-up, as well as a history of how we tackled the program in the past.
Partners
As an organization, Cold Hollow to Canada relies heavily on our partners. We consider ourselves a Regional Conservation Partnership, and these partners play essential roles in our decision-making process and action steps. While each partner has a different role with regard to the Woodlots program, these partners are often available either as speakers or technical assistance providers for Woodlots participants.
Practitioners
We are well aware that we are not the only ones working with landowners in the woods, and our work relies heavily on the foresters, loggers, and other forest professionals who can move an idea into a plan and a plan into an action.