Got Nature? Blog

Tax preparation time usually brings with it questions about what is deductible, how to report this income and what you can do to save on your taxes in the future. Fortunately for woodland owners, there are several excellent resources available to help you find some guidance.

A national site addressing tax issues for woodland owners is the National Timber Tax Website. This site provides updated tax tips for the 2024 filing year, as well as many guides and references to help you effectively plan a tax strategy for your property.

The first link you will see on the National Timber Tax website is the recent timber tax tips by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service:
Tax Tips for Forest Landowners: 2024 Tax Year (pdf 176KB)

Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Extension offers some publications covering taxation issues for timber sales and tree planting.
How to Treat Timber Sale Income
Determining Tax Basis of Timber
Financial and Tax Aspects of Tree Planting

If you sold timber or planted trees for timber production last year, the references above may help you understand your options and possibly provide some tax savings.

Familiarizing yourself with the tax treatment of timber sales and tree plantings may help you more effectively plan for future tax returns.

Other resources:
U.S. Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources Offers Program Aiding in Property Tax Reductions, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Blog Article
The Education Store, Purdue Extension (place in search field: “timber”)
Find an Indiana Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
Woodland Management Moment , Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Indiana DNR Offers Special Program Aiding in Property Tax Reductions – IFWOA

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC)
Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University

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Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) News: If you live in Indiana and own more than ten acres of woodlands, then you may want to enroll in the Classified Forest and Wildlands Program offered through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry. This program encourages timber production, watershed protection, and wildlife habitat management on private lands in Indiana. Program landowners receive a property tax reduction in return for following a professionally written management plan. In addition to the tax incentive, landowners receive free technical assistance from DNR foresters and wildlife biologists, priority for cost-share to offset the cost of doing management, and the ability to “green” certify their forests. The minimum requirement for program enrollment is 10 acres of forest, wetland, shrubland, and/or grassland.

“Once enrolled in our program, you get a reduced property tax assessment,” says Gretchen Herbaugh, District Forester with Indiana DNR serving southwestern Indiana.

“Property can be anything from forest ground to native grasses to pollinator habitats to wildlife food plots—we span a large range of habitat types and management styles,” Herbaugh says.

For full IFWOA article view: Indiana DNR Offers a Special Program for Woodland Owners.

To learn more about the program with more resources view the Hoosier Ag Today article, Indiana DNR Offering a Special Program for Woodland Owners.

Resources:
Subscribe, IFWOA YouTube Channel (includes The Nature of Oaks, Be Tick Aware, Population Ecology of Deer and more)
Find an Indiana Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
Woodland Management Moment , Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
District Foresters for 10 plus acres, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Financial and Tax Aspects of Tree Planting

Diana Evans, Extension and Web Communication Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Liz Jackson, Engagement Lead
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Association (IFWOA)

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Explore the latest newsletter updates on the Indiana Woodland Steward website. Stay up-to-date with forestry news and receive their free e-newsletter by subscribing at IWS Subscribe.

Highlights from the new Newsletter include:

• Forestry Assistance for Woodland Owners in Indiana
  By Dan Shaver
  “In today’s world it seems that everything you need or want can be found online. Groceries, clothing, sporting equipment, hunting gear, and every other product…”
• Wildlife Success Stories in Indiana
  By Geriann Albers
  “It’s a tale you’ve probably heard by now. Lack of regulations and habitat loss caused Indiana and many other states to lose…”
• The Birders’ Dozen Profile 10: Hooded Warbler
  Dr. Jessica Outcalt
  “Welcome to the Birders’ Dozen! Over the next three issues we are going to continue introducing the last few birds from Forestry for the Birds. The Birders’ Dozen are…”
• Tips for First-Time Buyers of Real Christmas Trees
  By Daniel Cassens
  “If you have never purchased and set up a real, live Christmas tree, but are considering it because you’re thinking “green,” you are not alone. Tree growers are…”
• 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…”
• Ask the Steward
  by Dan Ernst
  “Question: What are the hard-shelled woodland spiders whose web I keep walking through? Are they poisonous?”
• Days Gone By
  ‘Tree species have been utilized differently over the years. “Virgin” black gum logs used for…”

The Indiana Woodland Steward Newsletter is a resource offering a wealth of valuable information for foresters, woodland owners, timber marketing specialists, woodland and wildlife enthusiasts. The Indiana Woodland Steward Institute (IWS) is an entity made from 11 organizations within the state including Purdue University, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA), that works to promote best usage practices of Indiana’s woodland resources through their Woodland Steward publication.

Resources
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Wildlife Responses to Timber Harvesting, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Virtual Tour Brings Forest Management for Birds to Life, Got Nature? Blog Post, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store
Deer Impact Toolbox, The Education Store
Birdfeeder tips, The National Audubon Society
Managing Woodlands for Birds Video, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Subscribe: Deer, Forest Management, ID That Tree, Woodland Management Moment, Invasive Species and many other topic video playlists Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Dan McGuckin, President
Indiana Woodland Steward

Dr. Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University

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Purdue Extension’s annual report showcases the accomplishments, outcomes and activities that highlight the impact of Purdue Extension across Indiana. Extension specialists and educators provide educational programs and research-based knowledge to help families, individuals, and communities prosper and thrive.

The Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources specialists featured:

Private Woodland Owners Make Decisions and Take Actions to Improve Acreage Value – project specialist include Lenny Farlee, Ron Rathfon, Don Carlson, and Jarred Brooke, along with county extension educators Dave Osborne, and Phil Woolery. Indiana has 20% forest lands, most privately owned. Forests are important habitats for wildlife and provide environmental and social benefits. Purdue Extension offers Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner, in-person and virtually. The in-person program has eight 2.75-hour evening sessions and two Saturday three-hour field day tours. Purdue Extension and local forestry and natural resource professionals provide presentations and direct activities. Participants receive a tree measuring stick and a flash drive containing more than 100 publications and resources.

Participant forest management knowledge improved after the program. More than 90% found it useful for making decisions, and 80% plan to take actions in the next year. A participant said, “This course provided exactly the information I needed to understand the DNR forester’s report on my classified forest and to act on it. It will also help form a land management plan of my own (beyond what the forester provided), find programs to help manage and expand the forest, and earn a little money from the property in future years.”

Furniture Production Addresses Workforce Development and Rebuilds Lives in Indiana – project specialist include Dr. Eva Haviarova and Dr. Henry Quesada. Most U.S. school furniture is made overseas and from nonrenewable materials (steel, plastic, and composite). Increasingly, the product sustainability, the circular economy, and the benefits of natural materials are being shown to be important in learning environments.

To create a new market for low-value hardwoods, urban woods, and plantation resources by designing and producing innovative products, including wooden school furniture, Purdue’s Wood Research Lab has tested all strength and environmental attributes. At the same time, Purdue Extension is focusing on workforce development for Indiana’s wood products industry. An approach is to provide potential employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to residents with troubled pasts, underprivileged workers, and those needing a second chance in life by partnering with Purposeful Design, the Forest Service, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, Urban Forest Products and other industry players to train workers in furniture production and qualify for future work.

To view full report visit: Purdue Extension Showcase.
To learn more about Purdue Extension visit: About Us.
For all Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources publications, videos, webinars and initiatives view: Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources.

Resources:
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube Channel
Invasive Species, Playlist
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Invaders, Got Nature? Blog
District Forester, Indiana DNR Division of Forestry, for over 10 acres of woodlands
Directory of Professional Foresters, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Indiana Woodland Steward E-newsletters, Eleven Member Organization
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Joint Design Manual for Furniture Frames Constructed of Plywood and Oriented Strand Board, The Education Store
The Shrinking and Swelling of Wood and Its Effect on Furniture, The Education Store
Performance Test Method for Intensive Use Chairs – FNEW 83-269: A Description of the Test Method with Drawings​, The Education Store
How Baby Bear’s Chair Was Made, The Education Store

Purdue Extension

Diana Evans, Extension & Web Communications Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Check out the new newsletter posts available by visiting the Indiana Woodland Steward website. Stay current in the world of forestry and receive their free e-newsletter by subscribing at IWS Subscribe.

Highlights from the current Newsletter include:

• 2023 Indiana Consulting Foresters Stumpage Timber Price Report
  “This report is provided annually and is intended to be used as a general indicator of timber stumpage prices and activity in Indiana. There are many factors that determine the price of any individual timber sale…”
• The Birders’ Dozen Profile 7: Eastern Screech-Owl
  Dr. Jessica Outcalt, consulting bird biologist
  “Welcome to the Birders’ Dozen! Over the next six issues we are going to continue introducing the last half of the bird species from Forestry for the Birds. The Birders’ Dozen are forest birds that…”
• Forest Management is for the Birds!
  by Judi Brown
  “Saying something is “for the birds” can indicate frustration with a situation. But forest management’s effect on bird populations is…”
• Flowering Dogwood
  By Lenny Farlee
  “Flowering dogwood is one of our most attractive small trees here in Indiana with beautiful white spring blossoms and very attractive fall red to maroon foliage. According to Native Trees of the Midwest, George Washington was…”
• The PHiLL Project: A Collaboration of Forest Managers and Researchers to Restore Soils for Pollinator Benefits
  By Cheryl Coon, Lauren Pile Knapp and John Kabrick
  “Decline of native bees and how enriched log landings and increase habitat. Native bees are among the most diverse and important pollinators of our forested ecosystems with approximately 4,000 different species in North America…”
• Ask the Steward
  By Dan Ernst
  “Question 1: I have not seen many squirrels this past winter. Do they migrate?”
• Soil and Water Conservation District
  “Woodland Steward Supporters 2023…”

The Indiana Woodland Steward Newsletter is a resource that’s full of a variety of valuable information to foresters, woodland owners, timber marketing specialists, woodland enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts. The Indiana Woodland Steward Institute (IWS) is an entity made from 11 organizations within the state including Purdue University, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA), that works to promote best usage practices of Indiana’s woodland resources through their Woodland Steward publication.

Resources
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Wildlife Responses to Timber Harvesting, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Birds and Residential Window Strikes: Tips for Prevention, The Education Store
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store
Deer Impact Toolbox, The Education Store
Birdfeeder tips, The National Audubon Society
Managing Woodlands for Birds Video, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Subscribe: Deer, Forest Management, ID That Tree, Woodland Management Moment, Invasive Species and many other topic video playlists Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Dan McGuckin, President
Indiana Woodland Steward

Dr. Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University

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The Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC) continues to share top forest research as scientists, experts and partners further the mission of tree improvement, management, and protection of hardwood forests. The most recent HTIRC Annual Report is now available and includes research, personnel and outreach news:

• HTIRC-Funded Research Grant Updates
• Center For Advanced Forestry Systems 2022
• Creating a Directory, Depository, and Database For Historical Genetic and Tree Improvement Trials
• Integrated Digital Forestry Initiative (iDiF)
• 2022 Operational Tree Improvement Report

Plus much more: HTIRC 2022 Annual Report.

If you would like to subscribe and receive the e-newsletter visit HTIRC e-Newsletter.

The mission of the HTIRC is to advance the science and application of tree improvement, management, and protection of hardwood forests, with emphasis in the Central Hardwood Forest Region (CHFR). They seek to develop research and technology-transfer programs that provide knowledge focused on the establishment and maintenance of sustainable, genetically diverse native forests and the development of highly productive woodlands that provide a wide array of products and services.

Other resources:
Purdue Entomology
Forestry & Natural Resources
Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC)
Tropical HTIRC
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Playlist, Subscribe to Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Finding help from a professional forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association

Matthew Ginzel, Professor and Director of HTIRC
Purdue Entomology
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC)

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The Natural Resources University podcast group received the gold award in the podcast or radio category from the Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP). The NRU podcast group includes the Habitat University podcast co-hosted by Purdue Extension wildlife specialist Jarred Brooke and Adam Janke, an extension wildlife specialist at Iowa State University.

“Receiving the ANREP Gold Award is an honor,” Brooke said. “What started as casual conversations amongst colleagues about creating science-based natural resources podcasts has blossomed into a podcast network with multiple unique podcasts and over 100 episodes. This collaboration has been a great avenue to get up-to-date science about natural resource management into landowners and managers’ hands (and ears).”

The NRU podcast group initially began with four science-based podcasts covering different aspects of natural resource management: Deer University, Pond University, Fire University and Habitat University.

Deer University, which is hosted by Dr. Bronson Strickland and Steve Demarais, focuses on the science of deer, including deer ecology, biology and management.

Pond University, which was co-hosted by FNR’s Mitch Zischke and Megan Gunn before ending its 11-episode run in August 2021, covered topics from pond habitat to fish stocking, vegetation control and pond construction.

Fire University, which is hosted by Dr. Marcus Lashley, covers the gamut of the latest research in fire ecology and how it relates to management of wildlife and plant communities.

Habitat University, hosted by Brooke and Janke, discusses the science behind wildlife habitat management and how landowners and manages can use different habitat management practices to improve their land for wildlife.

New to the NRU family in 2022-2023 are:

• Wild Turkey Science – Dr. Marcus Lashley and Dr. Will Gulsby bring you the latest research on wild turkey ecology and management
• Timber University – Dr. Brady Self and Dr. Shaun Tanger cover the latest research in timber management.
• Working Wild University – Dr. Alex Few and Dr. Jared Beaver immerse the listener in stories at the heart of the struggle to sustain productive, resilient and connect rural landscapes and communities.
• Fish University – Dr. Wes Neal covers the latest research in fish management from the small pond to the vast ocean.

The series housed within the NRU network aim to deliver expert-based knowledge for their corresponding genre of natural resource management. The network is a partnership between the extension services at several land-grant university, including Mississippi State Extension Service, University of Florida Extension, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Purdue Extension. Funding for the project comes from the Renewable Resources Extension Act.

The Natural Resources University podcasts are available through the individual podcast websites, through the NRU podcast main hub or wherever podcasts are available to download.

For full article and more photos view Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources News & Stories: Natural Resources University Podcasts Earn ANREP Gold Award .

More Resources:
Ask an Expert: Pond Management, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
Pond Management: Managing Fish Populations, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Yellow Perch Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Frogs and Toads of Indiana, The Education Store
Snakes and Lizards of Indiana, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Frost Seeding Native Grasses and Forbs with a Drone (UAV), Purdue Extension-FNR
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Wildlife Responses to Timber Harvesting, The Education Store
Invasive Plants: Impact on Environment and People, The Education Store
Sustainable Communities, Purdue Extension
Ask the Expert: Turtles and Snakes video, Got Nature? post
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Woodland Management Moment , Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist

Wendy Mayer, FNR Communications Coordinator
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Jarred Brooke, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources

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The Fall/Winter 2022 HEE Update newsletter is now available online. Research highlights and student news include:

• Bat Research in the News
• Thank You Danielle
• We Are Hiring
• A Second HEE Departure
• Welcome New Graduate Students
• HEE Publications

“The HEE Update” is distributed to anyone interested in receiving updates on the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE). The newsletter includes updates of field work, media attention, committee meetings, extension events, job announcements, publications, and presentations. Anyone can receive this newsletter. If you would like to be added to the newsletter list email Dr. Mike Saunders, associate professor of silviculture, Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources, at msaunder@purdue.edu.

What is HEE?
The focus of forest science is increasingly shifting to the management of forests as complex systems rather than as simple agricultural landscapes—with a much greater appreciation for the interactive ecosystem processes. In addition, now for many forest landowners, the ecological value of their land is at least as important as the economic return. It is, therefore, vital to understand how forest management affects not only timber production, but also the overall function of forested ecosystems.

The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) is a long-term, large-scale experimental study of forest management and its impacts. The project was initiated in 2006 with partners including: Ball State University, Drake University, Indiana State University, Purdue Entomology, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR), and the Indiana Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society.

For information about study sites, harvesting treatments, sampling design, and more, see our Study Design page and US Forest Service General Technical Report NRS-P-108, The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: A Framework For Studying Responses to Forest Management.

Resources
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment, Website
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE), YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension–Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Prescribed Fire, Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) YouTube Video
Ask an Expert: Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) Birds and Salamander Research, Video, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Wildlife Responses to Timber Harvesting, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: Indiana Forestry and Wildlife, The Education Store

Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment

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Tax preparation time usually brings with it questions about what is deductible, how do I report this income, and what can I do to save on my taxes in the future. Fortunately for forest landowners, this resource for tax tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Forest Service provides several excellent resources to help you find some guidance. View Understanding Your Taxes as a Forest Owner.

The National Timber Tax Website, which is also shared in this article, addresses tax issues for forest landowners.  This site provides updated tax tips for the 2022 filing year, as well as many guides and references to help you effectively plan a tax strategy for your property.

The USDA Forest Service mission of sustaining the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations, continues on as they provide many resources including managing your land, science and technology, and working with the U.S. Forest Service.

More resources: Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources offers some publications covering taxation issues for timber sales and tree planting.
How to Treat Timber Sale Income, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Determining Tax Basis of Timber, The Education Store
Financial and Tax Aspects of Tree Planting, The Education Store
The Education Store (for a list of all timber resources or woodlands place in search field: “timber” or “woodlands”)
Classified Forest and Wildlands Program , Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Division of Forestry
Find an Indiana Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)

USDA Forest Service

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You may have many reasons why you want to plant trees on your land and this webinar Conservation Tree Planting will help you as you define your objectives and plan your planting. This webinar explains the difference between conservation tree planting and ornamental or landscape tree planting. The research based techniques and resources shared will help guide you as you work toward meeting your goals.

Lenny Farlee, Purdue extension forester, discusses topics including:

• reforestation
• tree species
• growth rates
• ordering seedlings
• weed control/herbicides
• equipment
• erosion control
• windbreaks
• soil health
• post-planting care/thinning
• fencing options
• wildlife habitat management

We Want to Hear From You:
After you have viewed the webinar please fill out the Qualtrics Survey and let us know if the video was helpful.

Resources:
Resources and Assistance Available for Planting Hardwood Seedlings, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Creating a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for Landowners, The Education Store
Planting Forest Trees and Shrubs in Indiana, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Extension YouTube Playlist
Woodland Management Moment, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Playlist

Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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