What is land maintenance?

• Land maintenance can be many things from lawn mowing to moving dirt, and forestry work. These things are done for many reasons which include keeping your land clean, healthy, preventing soil erosion, supporting biodiversity, promoting sustainable land use, and more importantly safety for all.

• Overall, the upkeep of our land is essential for ensuring its long-term productivity and preserving nature. Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your land will also contribute to the overall well-being of the ecosystem.

• Contact Branden Erickson today to start your planning process.

Why is land maintenance important?

• Keeping your land clean will help with the health & growth of natural flora and fauna, which in turn will bolster a healthy natural environment for people & wildlife to enjoy.

• Encouraging native flora and fauna is also important in keeping our local animal habitats healthy, from the little bumble bee to the white-tail deer & black bear.

• Most importantly, safety. Clearing dead logs and/or trees will prevent forest fires, injury & help you get out into the outdoors more easily and enjoying nature.

• Overall land maintenance is crucial for preserving nature & the outdoor spaces that we love so much!

• Contact Branden Erickson today to talk about your plans & goals for the land you have. We all play a pivotal role in sustaining the land & its resources not just for today but for generations to come.

How do I make a plan for my land?

There are a couple of options to choose from:

• Hire a stewardship writer, the MN DNR foresters will write up a plan that has a base price of $300 and then you add $7 per acre. Link to their site: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/foreststewardship/plan-writers.html

• Work with an individual who has experience in land & property maintenance & improvements. They can take notes, write recommendations, and give advice, which can go a long way in achieving the same goals for a lot less money.

• Contact Branden Erickson to start your planning today.

What are some examples of land steward goals?

• Achieve economic gain by planting and harvesting forest products while maintaining sustainable forest management objectives.

• Improve wildlife habitat through forest management to increase the number & bio-diversity of wildlife species.

• Promote &/or increase native & desirable plants/trees & wildlife species

• Identify, eliminate, & instill preventative measures for the invasive species that are currently on or threatening the property.

• Enhance recreational opportunities for the property with a focus on safety and preventing forest fires and/or injury.

• Enhance forest health.

• Manage the property in a way that will improve water quality now & maintain it for the future generations.

• Contact Branden Erickson today to make your own land steward goals.

What are invasive species & why are they a problem?

• Invasive species are non-native plants that take over & choke out native plants. In turn they change whole ecosystems via increasing erosion & potential for forest fires, limiting edible plants for both humans & animals & change the soil nutrients. Many invasive species can be toxic &/or irritating when they come in contact with skin.

• For more information on invasive species visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/index.html#text-1-4

• Contact Branden Erickson today to help you identify & get rid of invasive species.

What are some common invasive species?

• Burdock

• Poison Hemlock

• Buckthorn

• Burning bush

• Bull Thistle

• Canada Thistle

• Plumeless Thistle

• For a complete guide to invasive species & how to eradicate them visit https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/invasives/noxious-weeds.pdf

• Contact Branden Erickson to get the job done for you.

What does Hunting Land Management entail?

• Managing your hunting land involves different strategies.  With the goal of enhancing the quality of the hunting land & maintaining a healthy & balanced ecosystem.

• Strategies include habitat enhancement, wildlife population monitoring & strategic planning to promote sustainable hunting practices.

• By implementing effective hunting land management strategies, hunters & landowners can ensure the long-term health of the habitat & improve the overall hunting experience.

• Contact Branden at Northern LandWorks to start your planning.