Purdue University - Extension - Forestry and Natural Resources
Tax preparation time usually brings with it questions about what is deductible, how to report this income and what you can do to save on your taxes in the future. Fortunately for woodland owners, there are several excellent resources available to help you find some guidance.
A national site addressing tax issues for woodland owners is the National Timber Tax Website. This site provides updated tax tips for the 2024 filing year, as well as many guides and references to help you effectively plan a tax strategy for your property.
The first link you will see on the National Timber Tax website is the recent timber tax tips by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service:
Tax Tips for Forest Landowners: 2024 Tax Year (pdf 176KB)
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Extension offers some publications covering taxation issues for timber sales and tree planting.
How to Treat Timber Sale Income
Determining Tax Basis of Timber
Financial and Tax Aspects of Tree Planting
If you sold timber or planted trees for timber production last year, the references above may help you understand your options and possibly provide some tax savings.
Familiarizing yourself with the tax treatment of timber sales and tree plantings may help you more effectively plan for future tax returns.
Other resources:
U.S. Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources Offers Program Aiding in Property Tax Reductions, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Blog Article
The Education Store, Purdue Extension (place in search field: “timber”)
Find an Indiana Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
Woodland Management Moment , Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Indiana DNR Offers Special Program Aiding in Property Tax Reductions – IFWOA
Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC)
Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) News: If you live in Indiana and own more than ten acres of woodlands, then you may want to enroll in the Classified Forest and Wildlands Program offered through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry. This program encourages timber production, watershed protection, and wildlife habitat management on private lands in Indiana. Program landowners receive a property tax reduction in return for following a professionally written management plan. In addition to the tax incentive, landowners receive free technical assistance from DNR foresters and wildlife biologists, priority for cost-share to offset the cost of doing management, and the ability to “green” certify their forests. The minimum requirement for program enrollment is 10 acres of forest, wetland, shrubland, and/or grassland.
“Once enrolled in our program, you get a reduced property tax assessment,” says Gretchen Herbaugh, District Forester with Indiana DNR serving southwestern Indiana.
“Property can be anything from forest ground to native grasses to pollinator habitats to wildlife food plots—we span a large range of habitat types and management styles,” Herbaugh says.
For full IFWOA article view: Indiana DNR Offers a Special Program for Woodland Owners.
To learn more about the program with more resources view the Hoosier Ag Today article, Indiana DNR Offering a Special Program for Woodland Owners.
Resources:
Subscribe, IFWOA YouTube Channel (includes The Nature of Oaks, Be Tick Aware, Population Ecology of Deer and more)
Find an Indiana Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
Woodland Management Moment , Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
District Foresters for 10 plus acres, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Financial and Tax Aspects of Tree Planting
Diana Evans, Extension and Web Communication Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Liz Jackson, Engagement Lead
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Association (IFWOA)
In this episode of A Woodland Management Moment, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee discusses the regeneration of small forest openings. Even forested areas of an acre or less can offer excellent opportunities for growth. Light-loving species thrive in the center, while more shade-tolerant plants flourish at the edges. This practice enhances the diversity of your woodlands. Adequate sunlight is crucial for creating a well-structured opening. By regenerating light-loving species, you can also add valuable wildlife habitat diversity to your property.
If you have any questions regarding trees, forests, wildlife, wood products or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.
Resources:
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
The Nature of Oaks Webinar, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel, Shared from Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners Video Series, Playlist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Ask an Expert: Tree Selection and Planting, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Find an Indiana Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources
Purdue Extension: We invite you to read our 2024 Annual Impact Report to learn about some of the significant activities that Purdue Extension has led during this past year. We feature some of our most well-known programs, such as Master Gardener, as well as such up-and-coming ventures as Purdue on the Farm. In every story, what you discover and see in action is Extension’s profound commitment to providing diverse opportunities and ongoing support to all Indiana residents and to contributing to our state’s continued growth and stability.
Check out the highlights for the Community Development and the Facilitative Leadership Workshop, along with other Purdue Extension programs:
Resources:
Nature of Teaching, Purdue College of Agriculture
Community Development, Purdue Extension
Purdue Extension
Family Programs, Purdue Extension – Health and Human Sciences
Taking Action to Address Substance Use in Communities (TASC), Purdue Extension
Diversified Farming and Food Systems, Purdue Extension
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube channel
A Woodland Management Moment, FNR – Ext Playlist
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Wildlife Responses to Timber Harvesting, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Community Planning, FNR -Ext Playlist
Dan Walker, Community Development regional Educator
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources/Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant/Purdue Extension
Kara Salazar, Assistant Program Leader for Community Development and Sustainable Communities Extension Specialist
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources/Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant/Purdue Extension
The Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC) was conceived in 1998 to address a perceived void in hardwood tree improvement research in the Central Hardwood Forest Region (CHFR) and is committed to enhancing the productivity and quality of CHFR trees and forests for the economic and environmental benefits they provide. Scientists at the HTIRC are using conventional tree improvement breeding as well as molecular and genetic technologies to improve the wood quality, growth characteristics, and insect and disease resistance of trees like black walnut, black cherry, red and white oaks, butternut and American chestnut. Research in tree breeding, tree nursery practices, tree plantation establishment and management, and Central Hardwoods silvicultural systems is aimed at increasing the regeneration success rate for high-quality hardwood trees and forests.
In this Fall 2024 HTIRC Newsletter you will find current research happenings that include:
View the full Fall 2024 HTIRC Newsletter and learn more about the impact and awards received along with more current research articles.
Resources:
HTIRC 2023 Annual Report
Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC)
Tropical Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (tropHTIRC)
Partners, Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Playlist, Subscribe to Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Finding help from a professional forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
District Foresters for 10 plus acres, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Wood Products, FNR Concentration
Hardwood Tree Improvement Regeneration Center (HTIRC)
Join Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee and wildlife specialist Brian MacGowan as they help you prepare for the holidays while keeping your family and local wildlife safe. This video discusses everything from how to choose and care for a real Christmas tree as well as what to do with it after the season and also how to make wildlife/nature-friendly decorations.
Topics Include:
– What can I do with my tree after Christmas that would benefit wildlife?
– Are artificial structures legal in Indiana lakes?
– What types of items can I collect from the wild for holiday decorations?
– How do I do it in an environmentally responsible way?
– Are there some things I shouldn’t or can’t collect?
– What outdoor holiday decorations can benefit wildlife?
– How do I make it last longer?
– Can I avoid problems with non-target wildlife?
If you have any questions regarding trees, forest management, wildlife, wood products or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.
Resources
Selecting an Indiana-Grown Christmas Tree, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Tips for First-Time Buyers of Real Christmas Trees, The Education Store
Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association
Purdue University Invasive Species resources
Indiana DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife possession rules
Feed the birds with a DIY wreath, Audubon
Dan Cassens: Tips for First-Time Christmas Tree Buyers, Video, Purdue Agriculture
Dan Cassens: Starting Your Own Christmas Tree Farm, Video
Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resource
Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University
Agricultural & Natural Resources: Hunting is a way of life for many citizens of Indiana. In 2022, 121,812 deer were harvested across the state. While some of these deer end up at commercial meat processing facilities, many are butchered by hunters at home. Of those who choose to process their harvested animals themselves, few have formal training about how to properly process a wild game animal and must rely on practices that have simply been passed down from relatives or learned from friends. In addition, commercial processors are often concerned by the dirty, spoiled deer carcasses that end up at their facilities.
In response to this need, Purdue Extension educators Dave Osborne and Jonathan Ferris conducted a series of venison processing workshops in Wayne, Noble and Tippecanoe counties. During each workshop, the educators discussed the proper techniques for field dressing and aging of deer; skinned and quartered the deer; discussed proper storage and preservation methods; cut up the meat and prepared it in a variety of ways for participants to taste. Extension wildlife specialist Jarred Brooke also presented information about proper meat handling and safety, and provided an update about deer health issues in Indiana. At the conclusion, participants had the opportunity to sample venison products prepared that evening as well as some donated from local deer processors.

FNR Extension Wildlife Specialist Jarred Brooke is part of the Venison Processing workshop team. Photo by Jonathan Ferris.
Survey results showed that 78 participants representing 25 Indiana counties, as well as one county each from Michigan and Illinois, attended the programs. All respondents indicated they learned field-dressing tips that would help them keep the carcass clean and free of contamination, while also learning something about food safety. And 98% responded that they had learned butchering techniques that will allow them to make better use of the meat. Also, 96% of respondents indicated they planned to change how they handle their deer meat after attending this workshop, 100% indicated they would like to see similar workshops that focused on additional upland game and fish, and 66% indicated this was the first Extension program they had ever attended. When asked about the most valuable part of the program, one participant said, “I feel fully equipped to fill my freezer and provide for my family this upcoming deer season.”
Check out the Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Calendar to view upcoming late summer and fall workshops.
View this article, along with other current extension projects, by visiting the December ANR Newsletter.
Resources:
Ask an Expert, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 2, Hanging & Skinning, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 3, Deboning, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 4, Cutting, Grinding & Packaging, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Introduction to White-tailed Deer Impacts on Indiana Woodlands, Got Nature? Blog & The Education Store
Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Understanding White-tailed Deer and Their Impact on Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Monitoring White-tailed Deer and Their Impact on Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Managing White-tailed Deer Impacts on Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Handling Harvested Deer Ask an Expert? video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Wildlife Playlist
A Woodland Management Moment – Deer Fencing, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Video
Agricultural & Natural Resources (ANR), Purdue Extension
Jarred Brooke, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Jonathan Ferris, Wayne County Extension Director
Purdue Extension
Dave Osborne, County Extension Director
Purdue Extension – Ripley County
Agricultural & Natural Resources (ANR) Newsletter: Since joining the faculty at Purdue in 1997, Rado Gazo, a professor of wood processing and industrial engineering, has educated students, industry professionals and the general public about the possibilities of the wood products industry.
In addition to teaching undergraduate courses in Properties of Wood, Wood Products Manufacturing and Furniture Design for CNC Manufacturing, Gazo conducts research focused on evaluating tree, log and lumber quality using CT (X-ray computed tomography), laser and image scanning and related manufacturing. He also investigates the competitiveness of furniture manufacturers as well as the application of industrial engineering techniques to value-added wood products manufacturing.
In 2020, Gazo created Hardwood University, a self-sustaining collaborative program with the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, which aims to provide hardwood industry professionals and landowners in the Central Hardwood region with cutting-edge information and training. Gazo is one of the primary instructors for the program.
Hardwood University, which consists of 10 sessions annually, is intended for new employees in the hardwood industry as well as those preparing for advancement or cross-training. The program, which takes place monthly at various Indiana hardwood plants and Purdue agricultural centers, offers informational and technical sessions on topics ranging from forest taxation to tree and log scaling and grading; log bucking; marketing hardwood veneer, stave and sawlogs; grade-sawing lumber; air drying and kiln drying lumber; hardwood lumber grading; lean manufacturing and logistics; and sawmill efficiency and quality control.
In addition, Gazo has worked with nearly 300 companies, providing technical assistance, troubleshooting and consulting services as well as implementation of manufacturing best practices.
To learn more about Rado Gazo’s work view: Rado Gazo, Forestry and Natural Resources profile page.
To read the rest of the newsletter and view the original article, see the ANR November 2024 Newsletter.
Resources:
Wood Products Manufacturing Technology Minor, FNR Minor
Hardwoods of the Central Midwest, The Purdue Arboretum
Wood Products, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR)
Wood is Best Video, Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Woodisbest.org
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Playlist, Subscribe to Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Finding help from a professional forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
District Foresters for 10 plus acres, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC)
Agricultural & Natural Resources (ANR), Purdue Extension
Purdue Extension’s annual report showcases the accomplishments, outcomes and activities that highlight the impact of Purdue Extension across Indiana. Extension specialists and educators provide educational programs and research-based knowledge to help families, individuals, and communities prosper and thrive.
The Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources specialists featured:
Private Woodland Owners Make Decisions and Take Actions to Improve Acreage Value – project specialist include Lenny Farlee, Ron Rathfon, Don Carlson, and Jarred Brooke, along with county extension educators Dave Osborne, and Phil Woolery. Indiana has 20% forest lands, most privately owned. Forests are important habitats for wildlife and provide environmental and social benefits. Purdue Extension offers Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner, in-person and virtually. The in-person program has eight 2.75-hour evening sessions and two Saturday three-hour field day tours. Purdue Extension and local forestry and natural resource professionals provide presentations and direct activities. Participants receive a tree measuring stick and a flash drive containing more than 100 publications and resources.
Participant forest management knowledge improved after the program. More than 90% found it useful for making decisions, and 80% plan to take actions in the next year. A participant said, “This course provided exactly the information I needed to understand the DNR forester’s report on my classified forest and to act on it. It will also help form a land management plan of my own (beyond what the forester provided), find programs to help manage and expand the forest, and earn a little money from the property in future years.”
Furniture Production Addresses Workforce Development and Rebuilds Lives in Indiana – project specialist include Dr. Eva Haviarova and Dr. Henry Quesada. Most U.S. school furniture is made overseas and from nonrenewable materials (steel, plastic, and composite). Increasingly, the product sustainability, the circular economy, and the benefits of natural materials are being shown to be important in learning environments.
To create a new market for low-value hardwoods, urban woods, and plantation resources by designing and producing innovative products, including wooden school furniture, Purdue’s Wood Research Lab has tested all strength and environmental attributes. At the same time, Purdue Extension is focusing on workforce development for Indiana’s wood products industry. An approach is to provide potential employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to residents with troubled pasts, underprivileged workers, and those needing a second chance in life by partnering with Purposeful Design, the Forest Service, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, Urban Forest Products and other industry players to train workers in furniture production and qualify for future work.
To view full report visit: Purdue Extension Showcase.
To learn more about Purdue Extension visit: About Us.
For all Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources publications, videos, webinars and initiatives view: Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources.
Resources:
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube Channel
Invasive Species, Playlist
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Invaders, Got Nature? Blog
District Forester, Indiana DNR Division of Forestry, for over 10 acres of woodlands
Directory of Professional Foresters, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Indiana Woodland Steward E-newsletters, Eleven Member Organization
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Joint Design Manual for Furniture Frames Constructed of Plywood and Oriented Strand Board, The Education Store
The Shrinking and Swelling of Wood and Its Effect on Furniture, The Education Store
Performance Test Method for Intensive Use Chairs – FNEW 83-269: A Description of the Test Method with Drawings, The Education Store
How Baby Bear’s Chair Was Made, The Education Store
Diana Evans, Extension & Web Communications Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Indiana Department of Natural Resources has all of your hunting resources for a fun season. The Wild Bulletin, Division of Fish and Wildlife, newsletter and the MyDNR – Enjoy the Outdoors newsletter brings you all the resources you need in one email. Check out the recent information shared in the newsletters below:
Wild Bulletin
IN DNR Newsletter: If you’ve been hunting for a license instead of deer, look no further: Buy your license now via our online license system. Get your firearms and muzzleloader licenses before the seasons begin.
Are you prepared for deer hunting? Make sure to bring and wear your blaze orange item of clothing, your firearm or bow, and a print or digital copy of your hunting license.
If you haven’t bought your deer license yet, consider buying DNR’s Deer License Bundle for the season. The Deer License Bundle includes privileges to harvest a total of two antlerless deer plus one antlered deer. It can be used in the special youth, archery, firearms, muzzleloader, and special antlerless deer seasons.
For younger hunters, 2024’s final free youth hunting days are Nov. 30 & Dec. 1. For more information on the online license system, visit Indiana Fish & Wildlife Online License System.
My DNR
Indiana’s Outdoor News: Hunting for answers or a new license? Search no more. For questions about equipment, regulations, or which license you need, use the Deer Hotline by calling 812-334-3795 or emailing indeerhotline@dnr.IN.gov.
For questions related to the CheckIN Game system, your online license system account, license-purchasing errors, or deer control permits, email inhuntfish@dnr.IN.gov or call 317-232-4082.
Remember to buy your deer license early. Find a list of license retailers online and be sure to check your license for accuracy before you leave the store. If you plan to purchase your license online, log into your Access Indiana account before the season begins—don’t risk delays.
To find out more view the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Hunting Deer in Indiana.
Resources:
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 2, Hanging & Skinning, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 3, Deboning, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 4, Cutting, Grinding & Packaging, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
How to Score Your White-tailed Deer, video, Purdue Extension
White-Tailed Deer Post Harvest Collection, video, The Education Store
Age Determination in White-tailed Deer, video, Purdue Extension
Handling Harvested Deer Ask an Expert? video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
Bovine Tuberculosis in Wild White-tailed Deer, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners: Managing Deer Damage to Young Trees, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Integrated Deer Management Project, Purdue FNR
New Deer Impact Toolbox, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Division of Fish and Wildlife, Indiana Department of Natural Resources