I Came Here to Have Fun, Not to Work I Came Here to Have Fun, Not to Work! How to manage a woodlot and enjoy it too. Name Company

Seven phases of a project 1. Wild enthusiasm 2. Disillusionment 3. Confusion 4. Panic 5. Search for the guilty 6. Punishment of the innocent 7. Praise and honor for the non-participants We have all been involved with projects that are great at the start, but then just grind on until we just want it to be over even if it isn’t finished.

Simple ways to keep enthusiasm in a project: Know your goal & double check its validity KISS – Keep It Simple & Small Create value often (rewards) Have clear direction Know your goal & double check its validity – it is imperative that you know what you are working towards and why. Are you thinning to improve habitat, tree health, reduce fire loads, or a combination? Is the goal still valid? Plans are written on paper, not etched in stone. When working with Mother Nature…stuff happens. Take a realistic review of a project, and look at it clearly for what it is, and not for what you want it to be. If the goal is no longer valid don’t start the project! KISS – Keep It Simple & Small: if you enjoy it you can always do more, but if you try too much at the start, it may seem like you’re not making any headway Something of Value is Created Every 3 Months - It doesn't matter how long your project timeframe is. Something useful should be created every three months while the project is underway to ensure that your project is not a black hole that depletes resources and delivers no value. Clear Direction - It is impossible to be passionate about a vague concept. A project that has a clear vision, a well defined deliverable, and an explanation as to how the deliverable will aid in the strategic direction of the woodlot, is one that is worthy of your time and passion.

Options for workers OK – so I get what needs to be done, and I know why it needs to be done, but I don’t want to do it! Who can do it? If you don’t do it or use the free labor supplied by friends and family then you’ll have to hire someone. The cost will depend on the project and the expertise needed to carry it out. Some projects can be done by unskilled labor while others require special equipment and knowledge. Remember – you get what you pay for; the person with the tools and knowledge to do the job best can demand more for those services and the quality of the work should last longer. If you have a good relationship with a local community group (i.e Boy Scouts) or are reasonably close to a vocational and technical school, and the project fits within their scope of work; you may be lucky enough to have students and volunteers to assist you in projects.

What’s the cost? How much will it cost? Typical forestry answer – It Depends. Consultants are independent contractors and are often one person shops, so everything is negotiable and services can be packaged to fit the needs of the landowner. Depending on the project, there may be cost-share funding to make it easier to swallow the bill. Many wildlife improvement projects can qualify for funding through Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs such as WHIP, EQIP, CSP and others in specific locations. In addition groups such as Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Family Campers and RVers, and other non-profit associations have grants available to complete projects that benefit specific needs. An approved management plan that clearly states the goals, objectives, and steps to complete is usually required or strongly advised in order to qualify for funding.

So where do I find a qualified person? State agencies and Extension offices can give you contacts to start with, most states have either a listing of qualified cooperating foresters or a licensing/registration law. Public employees can provide names and contact information, but are barred from giving specific recommendations. Reputable contractors usually support the industry they are a part of, so you may get referrals from the state forest industry or forest landowners association, logger training organization, or county Farm Bureau. How well do you know your neighbors? Not only can they be your best protection against theft and vandalism, but they are also your best source of information on who to hire and who to avoid.

Services I provide Consultants: This is the perfect opportunity to go over the services you offer. Refer back to the language exercise discussed earlier and fit what you do into the language your audience can understand. Include pictures of the services and then discuss.

Projects I have assisted on Foresters: here is a great opportunity to showcase your talents in a controlled environment. Insert a few slides of projects that may entise the audince you are addressing.

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