Landowner Profiles

Clyde Ross

Industry, ME

Property Statistics:

How much land do you own?

32 acres. It is mixedwood with some good pine, hemlock, and some stud wood and hardwood (beech) pulp. I am currently growing good ash, softwood, and aspen.

Where is it located? Industry, Maine

Do you live on the property? No

When did you acquire it/how long have you owned it?

1963. It had been in my mother's family since before the ‘40's but it was sold. We purchased it back in 1963 by paying back taxes (essentially a tax acquired property). I have no intention of selling it-two nephews will inherit the property.

Do you post your land? Why/why not?

No. There has been no trouble, and no need to post the property. Growing up on a large farm that was never posted, I came to appreciate the idea of not having posted land. My grandfather and uncle allowed anyone access to their properties.

What is the breakdown of cover types (forest, meadow, agriculture, wetland)?

It is all forest with one small beaver pond that was active in the 1970's. They were trapped in the 1980's and they are now coming back.

Ownership Objectives:

What are your reasons for owning your forest? Your objectives for management?

• Land isn't made anymore, therefore if you can purchase some, it makes a good investment.

• It borders my camp lot. I now have access to my woodlot and no one can build behind my camp.

• Hunting + Timber Harvesting

Do you have a forest management plan? If so, does it include recreation?

Yes, I have a plan and I am enrolled in both the Tree Growth Tax Plan as well as the American Tree Farm System. I have had two plans {ed-this means that when initially enrolled in the Tree Growth Tax Plan a management plan is written for ten years. At the end of ten years an updated management plan needs to be written}. I feel I am a good steward to the land and that is one of my reasons in owning the property.

Recreation:

What types of recreation do you allow on your land?

I allow access for people to hunt, snowmobile, cross-country ski, snowshoe, ATV, and to hike (a trail on the property allows access to higher elevations off the property). The Maine Snowmobile trail used to go through the property, but not anymore.

Why do you allow recreation?

I allow recreation on the property, because I appreciated having places to recreate when I was growing up and I think it is important for individuals to have places like this to recreate.

Who recreates on your land? What is your perception of those who recreate on your land?

I know the majority of the people that recreate on the property. I have given permission to ATV and snowmobilers to use the property.

What problems have you experienced with recreation impacts or recreationists, and how have you worked to solve those problems?

I have not had any issues. {ed. It could be assumed that there are no issues because Mr. Ross knows most of the recreationists on his property}.

Support:

What support would you as a private landowner who allows recreation on your forestland like to see from various University/Government entities, and NGOs?

I think that education programs about recreation that provide for recreationists to meet with landowners prior to use is a good thing. You can't assume that you can go onto people's land. I used to teach hunter safety and snowmobile courses, and from a young age, we taught our students to appreciate property rights. As these students come up through the courses, they learn that it is a nice gesture to talk with landowners prior to use. My main thought is to start young and carry the lessons up through the years and continue to support the commissioner's ideas of respecting property rights. The mindset to use land has been diminished by publicity. While the population has increased, there are not as many recreationists (hunters) as there have been in the past.

Follow up question – if we were to create a website, what information would be useful to you?

We need to continue the educational thing. Property owners pay tax and recreationists need to respect trail markings, they need to find out who owns property either by calling around, going door to door, or visiting the town office. A 30 second phone call is all it takes to determine if they can use the land, and that call is appreciated by the landowner. Signage that states “Use with landowner permission” or “Use property carefully and properly” might also be useful. I think that your website should stress this. We are stewards of the environment and we must take care of the land if we use it. This stewardship applies both to property owners as well as guests.

Interesting facts about your property

I used to build wood duck nesting boxes, but since the water had diminished due to the lack of beavers, I stopped doing that. However, now that beavers have returned, I could start this again, although I would have to find new trees to post the boxes on. I enjoyed having the waterfowl and beaver. If the beavers are successful with the pond, perhaps I will have ducks again.

I think that it is important for private landowners to have a good forester and good harvesters that leave the property in reasonable condition. You have to be there and get to know the people by talking to them. Remember, this is your property. By talking with the people managing your forests, they get to know you better and your expectations.

My idea of a good forestland is a property that gets harvested every few years, allowing you to put some money in your pocket. However, rather than only harvesting valuable trees, I think it is important to cut the diseased trees, and trees with poorer form. This should allow for the future harvest of good sawlogs and good regeneration.