The first step in habitat management for wildlife is deciding what type or types of wildlife you are most interested in having on your land. Your answer may be very specific to one or two species, or you may have a more general interest in improving habitat for a wide variety of species. Next, you will need to know about your land―what species of trees are present, whether there any streams or wetlands, what the topography is like, what types of soils you have. This information will allow you to determine if you have the appropriate types of habitat for the wildlife species you want to encourage. Keep in mind that “habitat” includes food, water, and cover. Habitat needs vary with the species of animal, the season of the year, and the mobility of the animal. Then you can start to determine what forest or habitat management strategies will allow you to create or improve the habitat types you are interested in. The publication "Enhancing Wildlife Habitats: A Practical Guide for Forest Landowners" is an excellent resource and is available from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension publications office (go to extensionpubs.umext.maine.edu/ and click on Natural Resources, then Forestry and Wildlife, then scroll down). There are many other sources of information such as the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine Audubon, Maine Forest Service, Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine, and consulting foresters.

Landowners in other states may contact their state wildlife department or Cooperative Extension program. Many state wildlife departments have individuals designated as "habitat biologists" to assist you.

Online Resources:
Land Use Information Clearing House