LANDOWNER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Do you own a woodland?
Whether you have “just trees” that shelter native plants and animals, a bit of “woods” behind your house where the kids play and you cut firewood, or a “tree farm” that earns your family income, you are a forest owner. Owning forestland in New York State is an exciting but challenging undertaking. Consequently, many forest owners need help with the management of their holdings and are interested in knowing the people and organizations that are available to assist them. Ownership of forest land can provide numerous benefits such as wildlife habitat improvements, recreation and revenue. However, ownership also carries costs and responsibilities that may require assistance from others as well as opportunities to enhance the conservation value of your land.
How Winnakee can help: Landowner Assistance Program
Help is available to answer these and other forest management questions. Winnkaee is here through our Landowner Assistance Program to provide landowners with resources to maximize the resiliency of their land, increase biodiversity, restore rare species habitats, control harmful invasives, and become part of globally important connective land corridors that secure pathways for many species survival. Stewarding lands to reach their optimal ecological potential is essential to Winnakee’s long term conservation strategy, and using our active management models, we help landowners to reach their conservation goals.
Our Forest Management Philosophy
CONSERVATION FIRST FORESTRY
Conservation First Forestry is a forest management approach that prioritizes the long-term health, resilience, and ecological function of forests. It emphasizes climate adaptation, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and carbon storage while recognizing that economic benefits are a by-product of responsible stewardship, not the primary goal.
By aligning management practices with natural processes, this approach ensures forests continue to provide essential ecosystem services such as clean air, water filtration, and soil health. When economic returns occur, they support conservation rather than compromise it, fostering sustainable landscapes that benefit both nature and communities.
Speak to a Conservation Forester
Trevor Keough was born and raised in Saranac Lake, New York with roots tied to the early settlers of Saranac Lake in 1819. He spent much of his childhood exploring the woods and rivers, ponds, and lakes in the surrounding backcountry. After graduating from Saranac Lake High School, Trevor attended Paul Smiths College where he achieved a bachelor’s degree in Forest Operations. While earning a Master of Science degree from Mississippi State University with a focus on large scale forest planning and forest economics, Trevor worked as a consulting forester. Most recently he worked as a Resource Analyst for a Timber Investment Management Organization in Mississippi. Trevor serves as the Young Professional Board Representative to the Society of American Foresters and is actively involved with Ducks Unlimited and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. In his free time, you can likely find him recreating outside, training his dog, or making BBQ.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
We welcome your questions!
For a free phone consultation about our Landowner Assistance Program, please reach out to:
Trevor Keough
Conservation Forester
Tel: 518-524-3268
tkeough@winnakee.org
Our Landowner Assistance Program is customized to your needs and vision for your land and can include:
Property Consultations
We offer on-site or remote property consultations to assess your land’s ecological health, conservation potential, and management opportunities. Our team provides expert insights into sustainable forestry, habitat improvement, and long-term stewardship strategies.
Forester Referrals
Finding the right forestry professional is essential for effective land stewardship. We connect landowners with experienced foresters who specialize in conservation-driven forestry, ensuring your land receives expert care tailored to your specific goals.
Management Goal Development
We work with landowners to define clear, actionable management goals that align with conservation priorities. Whether your focus is habitat restoration, climate resilience, sustainable timber harvesting, or long-term forest health, we guide you in setting a strategic direction for your land.
Management Plan Development
A well-structured forest management plan is the foundation of effective land stewardship. We assist landowners in developing customized management plans that incorporate best conservation practices while meeting both personal and ecological objectives.
Conservation Project Administration
We help landowners identify conservation project opportunities and connect them with the right partners to bring their vision to life. Whether you’re interested in habitat restoration, climate
UPCOMING WORKSHOP
CREATING A SILVICULTURE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Every woodland is unique—its location, soil, tree species, and surrounding landscape all shape how it grows and changes over time. To keep your forest healthy and thriving for the long term, it’s important to understand its natural functions and make informed decisions about how to manage it. With a little creativity and the right information, you can choose management approaches that meet your goals while keeping your woods productive and resilient.
Join us to learn the basics of silviculture—how to assess tree health and use simple data on tree vigor and quality to create a step-by-step plan for improving your woodland. Learn more.