You can submit an application for the 2026-2027 program year below.

Thank you for your interest in the Connecticut Master Woodland Manager (MWM) program. This application is an important step in becoming a woodland owner or manager with the knowledge and resources to make sound forest management decisions. The program begins annually in Late August or Early September and must be completed within a year. The MWM program offers a mix of self-guided online classes and guided learning experiences in the classroom and the forest.

Applications due July 15, 2026.

Master Woodland Manager Program Details

Cost

Funding for this Program is provided by the U.S.D.A Forest Service through the Forest Stewardship Program, as administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Division of Forestry.  This funding will subsidize tuition for participants who meet the federal definition of an underserved landowner. This includes members of a federally recognized tribe, and landowners who, during the last ten years, bought wooded land, received a new tract number from the FSA, or obtained veteran status.

We will confirm eligibility for this subsidized tuition when we consider applications. We expect underserved landowners to pay $100 in tuition.

For other participants, the Master Woodland Manager program operates with a pay-as-you-can model, starting at $500 per participant.  The actual cost to run the MWM program is thirty-six hundred dollars per participant, so we rely on additional funding to fill the gap. Participants will be granted access to the MWM online learning portal, seven online learning modules, field-based learning experiences, and reference materials. Additional scholarship funding is available.

Acceptance & Refund

Once you have completed this application, you will be contacted by CFPA about your acceptance into the program by early August. We anticipate that we will receive more applications than we can accommodate, and that there may be a waitlist. Should you be invited to join the program, payment will be due by August 20th.

Cancelation Policy

  • Before August 20th, 2026: Full refund
  • August 20th, 2026 until the first event: 75% refund 
  • After the first in-person event, we do not offer refunds.

Other FAQ

All programs and materials are provided in English.

The MWM program may be unsuitable for those with significant mobility constraints. Please contact education@ctwoodlands.org for more details.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact them at (860) 418-5910 or deep.accommodations@ct.gov if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint.

The MWM program does not currently count for CT Forest Practitioner continuing education credits. Field sessions typically range from 10-25 participants and 1-4 instructors.

Field programs occur primarily on Saturday mornings all over the state. The flexible structure of the course means you can often choose between multiple courses on similar topics depending on your schedule, location, and specific interests.  There are occasionally field programs on other days of the week due to scheduling or staffing at the sites we are visiting.

 

Fill out the form below to apply. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until July 15, 2026

Master Woodland Manager Application

Name(Required)
If different from above, what name or nickname would you like on your name tag, should you be accepted to the program?
Address(Required)
Your Date of Birth(Required)
Are you able to complete the online and in-person learning requirements for this program within one year?(Required)
Please review the MWM requirements before answering this question. Participants must have access to the internet via computer or tablet to complete the program, and be able to use Zoom, email, and edit documents online. Participants must also be able to organize transport or drive to program locations. Please contact Julia Sonen, education@ctwoodlands.org, with any questions.
Do you have any limitations that may affect your ability to hike on forest terrain of varied elevation?(Required)
The MWM program offers field experiences where participants may walk a number of miles over a variety of terrains with elevation changes in varied weather conditions. By knowing any issues ahead of time, we can work with you to determine the best course of action.
Please include the Organization/Activity, your role there, and whether this is current or former involvement. Include, for example, association offices, community boards or commissions, or other volunteer activities.
If none, enter "0".
If you do not own land in CT, enter n/a
If none, enter "0".
Enter n/a if not applicable
Please indicate your level of knowledge about forests and wildlife:(Required)
Select all that apply.
Have you ever consulted with a wildlife or forestry professional regarding the woodland you own or manage?(Required)
Has a forest management/stewardship plan been created for woodland you own or manage?(Required)
As an example, you might list: activities to support wildlife habitat or food sources, agriculture, timber stand improvements, timber sales, invasive management, non-timber products such as maple syrup, woods road or trail construction, building a residence, etc.
Is woodland you own involved in a PA490 or any tax reduction program?(Required)
As an example, a woodland can be used for recreation, agriculture, timber products, non-timber products, and more.
Would you like to learn more about applying for a scholarship for the Master Woodland Manager Program?(Required)

We are working to access funding to support underserved landowners. Please help us understand if you qualify.

Do you currently own any wooded land in the United States, regardless of property size?(Required)
Have you recieved a new farm number or tract number from the FSA in the last 10 years?(Required)
Have you bought or inherited woodland in the last 10 years?(Required)
Are you a member of a federally recognized tribe? There are two federally recognized tribes in Connecticut - the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe.(Required)
Are you a United States Veteran?(Required)
For example, some land trust members might qualify if the land trust has new property.