There are many reasons why people purchase land. These may include privacy, income from timber sales, hunting opportunities, or simply for aesthetics. For those that have purchased or inherited land for the first time, there are many things that may come as a surprise, including the options for using the land and how many resources are available for new landowners. Whether someone is looking for educational reading material, an initial phone conversation, or a property visit, there are resources that fit each landowner’s needs and interests.

Learning the History of the Land

Unfortunately, when land is purchased or inherited, there is no packet of information that is provided to the new landowner on the history of the property, feasible options to choose from, how to achieve objectives, or property laws. Learning about the history and characteristics of your land is valuable for understanding the potential success of certain land objectives. Resources such as Google Earth Pro, the Alabama Maps aerial photography index, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Web Soil Survey, and others can unveil information that influences future decisions.

Establishing Property Objectives

No matter what the goal is for the land, it will likely take some work to achieve or maintain it. If you are a beginner landowner and wondering where to start, you can always contact the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s county office in your area. Forestry, wildlife, and natural resources agents can talk you through initial questions to ask yourself about goals and objectives and provide articles and publications for additional learning. They can also connect you to other agencies that provide landowner assistance, including the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC), Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, and others.

Almost every county has a local AFC office. If they don’t have an office, they do have foresters that cover the other areas. Through the AFC, you can work with a forester to define your property objectives, receive free assistance to create a management plan, and much more. If your goal is to sell timber, they can evaluate existing stands, make recommendations for improvements, or consult on how to get started. AFC also offers some services for a competitive fee, including site preparation burns, understory burns, fire lane construction, creation of small wildlife openings, and more.

Managing Wildlife

It might come as a surprise to new landowners that managing for wildlife often requires a more hands-on approach. Management strategies may vary depending on the wildlife you are hoping to attract. However, both game and nongame species have similar needs of quality forage and nesting habitat. Landowners can use tools, such as prescribed burning, to enhance their property to provide these necessities that encourage wildlife to stick around. If wildlife is your primary goal, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division has regional field staff that assist landowners with creating a management plan designed to improve wildlife habitat.

Cost-Share Assistance

If you are looking for cost-share assistance to improve, restore, or add functionality to your land, there are many options that you may be eligible for. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a federal agency whose purpose is to provide landowners and farmers with cost-share and technical assistance. Eligibility of federal cost-share resources requires a farm number that can be obtained from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). NRCS and FSA have offices in most counties in Alabama. The AFC, Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee, and other organizations often have cost-share assistance to address specific landowner concerns, such as wild hogs, pine beetles, or longleaf pine restoration.

Alabama Extension Workshops

Through a survey completed by Alabama landowners, Alabama Extension identified a need for beginner landowner programs throughout the state. Therefore, Alabama Extension is set to host several in-person beginner landowner workshops in 2024. Common topics that will be presented will include creating a management plan, how to sell timber, managing for wildlife, working with private consultants, basic property laws, estate planning, and more. Visit the Alabama Extension website calendar throughout 2024 for information on the in-person programs that will be held around the state.