From the Department of Environmental Conservation: Stewardship of Forest Land Ownership of forest land carries with it an obligation to tend and care for this renewable resource, holding it in trust for present and future generations. The decisions a forest owner makes can affect the forest for decades or even centuries. Stewardship means wise use of forest resources. Responsible forest management will further your goals as a landowner and ensure the health and productivity of your forest. A well-managed forest is vigorous and healthy, aesthetically pleasing, effective in preserving the watershed system and valuable for the production of timber and other forest products.