OK! Had a great visit and now have report in hand. My habitat background training started with Level 1 QDMA Deer Steward, followed by a Habitat weekend with them in South Carolina. Couldn't make the Level 2 weekends. Read several books regarding food plots, early succession, etc. Obviously what I've picked up here and numerous YouTube videos and podcasts. I've burned before, but never had the knowledge of how burning on different rotations and seasons would affect the landscape. I'm pretty well versed in the lingo and have tried to employ my knowledge as best I could, but I still had so many questions and things to learn, specifically as it applied to MY property.
Matt started by questioning me about goals, timber, what we've done, what we've seen, etc. We loaded up in the side by side and toured the place, pretty much acre by acre. We would stop when he wanted, often to take photos or demonstrate to me why the things we had done had given certain results. He pointed out several of the plant species, especially the trees , helping me understand which were best to kill, hinge cut or mineral sprout. He would brainstorm out loud about what might be good in certain areas. He was respectful the entire time and listened to my questions and comments.
Got the report on time, as he told me it would be about 3 weeks. Report consist of 3 things: (1) 36 page document discussing the various areas of the farm, what's currently there, and what we want to do with it going forward. Makes herbicide, mechanical, and fire suggestions along the way in each area to help with the goals. Some of the info simply defines things, such as TSI, but it would be a great read for a newbie as well as some experienced folks. (2) Four maps, one with the areas outlined separately, one with burn units and their rotations , one with tree stand and blind placements and how to access, and one with those things color coded as to which ones to hunt in which winds. (3) A nine page breakdown of the areas defined on the map as to exactly what we are trying to achieve (pine savanna vs old field vs bedding, etc.), how to do it, and a suggested year by year schedule to follow. At the end of this report is a list of invasives he saw and links on what to do with them and 4 audio clips discussing the 4 maps, totaling about 30 minutes. Sort of like a personalized podcast if you will :-)
For some reason, I'm not being allowed to post pics, but when I get this figured out, I'll post some map pics