Owning property in the country is challenging, and it’s even more challenging when you can’t be there 24/7. These activities focus on ways to protect your land when you aren’t around and ways to connect with it when you are.

Items tagged with ABSENTEE LANDOWNER

Assess Deer Impact on My Land

Different land types can support different numbers of deer. You can find out whether deer are harming your woodlot with this browse assessment.

Don't Move Firewood

Moving firewood, say from your woodlot to a campsite, is the #1 way dangerous forest pests spread. State law restricts when and how far you may transport firewood.

Have a Knowledgeable Landowner Visit My Woodlot

Master Forest Owners are landowners trained by Cornell University to help you care for your woodlot. They visit landowners, walk the land with them, and share knowledge and experiences all without charge.

Install a Trail Camera

Animals have better senses than we do, and they can be skittish when they know a human is nearby. A well-placed trail camera can take pictures of elusive wildlife without you needing to be there.

Perform a Woodlot Health Checkup

Just like your doctor runs tests to determine your health, you can find out the health of your woodlot by hiking your land and looking at several indicators.

Post My Boundaries

Most trespassing is accidental, because people often don't know they've crossed a property line. You can stop a lot of trespassing just by marking your boundaries. Posted signs are more expensive than painting your line, but they state the rules of how others may use your land.

Take the Path Less Travelled

You can see a lot from your trails, but sometimes the best places are stumbled upon by accident. Get off the beaten path and explore your woodlot with the help of a map, compass, GPS unit, or smart phone.

Walk My Land With My Family

There's no substitute for in-person gatherings on the family land. Getting your family outside and walking together lets each person reflect on what your land means to them.

Watch, Listen and Learn

The best way to learn about the life on your woodlot is get out there and see it for yourself. Learn what to look for, where to find it, and how to increase your chances of seeing it.

Write Down My Wishes For My Land

In a perfect world, what would you want to see happen with your land when you're no longer around to take care of it? Write these wishes down, then share them with a spouse or the rest of your family.