Taking Care of Your Forests

Forest Stewards and Forest Keepers

Stewardship shows up in many contemporary readings and discussions about forestry. Without question, it seems like the right idea. But, do we really understand its' meaning? After all, words have meaning and the power to influence thinking. In all honesty, I have had limited understanding about the meaning of stewardship. So, to satisfy my curiosity I consulted the dictionary.

"STEWARDSHIP is the position, duties, or services of a steward. STEWARD is a man entrusted with the management of the household or estate of another; one who acts as a supervisor or administrator, as of finances and property, for another or others; in Scotland, an officer appointed by the king over special lands belonging to the crown."

Reflecting on these words, I found them a bit stuffy and patronizing. They did not seem to correspond to my vision about taking care of things, and carrying this on into the next generation.  So I pressed on, looking for something akin to taking care of forests across generations. Having read a book of Native American teaching stories, "Keepers of the Earth", I wondered what keeper might mean. So, I turned to "Webster’s" to learn some more.

"KEEP is to observe or pay regard to; to fulfill a promise, to take care of; to maintain or cause to stay, or continue in a specified condition; to continue to go on, to persevere, to stay in good condition; to last; to endure; not to perish or be impaired. A KEEPER is a person that keeps; specifically a guardian, protector, custodian, or caretaker; A KEEPER OF THE FOREST in English Law, "an officer whose duty was to look after the forest."

What a surprise! I found keeping was closer to the heart of my ideas about taking care of forests, people, communities, and our planet. Keeping struck me as valuing life, all life, protecting and accepting the gifts provided by our environment. Also, there seemed to be room for keepers to work with the environment and derive benefit. Yet, a keeper assures that forest life continues out in the forest, at home in our community, and on behalf of our children's, children’s children.

Words are ideas with meaning that form images and action in our day to day lives. Through ignorance I have come to understand some distinctions between keepers and stewards. KEEPERS seem to be about supporting, benefiting, nourishing, and sustaining. KEEPING offers vision and belief, a sense of people and place, now and in the future beyond ones' lifespan. To KEEP suggests commitment to that future by actions taken now, with faith in each other’s capacity to deliver what’s good and vital, intact to subsequent generations.

Having said all of this, I realize that I am speaking to words and meanings and actions that matter to me. Perhaps stewardship is closer to what makes sense to you; perhaps keeping lies closer to your sense of meaning and value. Either way, it's okay; this isn't about right or wrong. This is my take on the matter of stewardship and keepers. What's yours?

Roger Merchant, Extension Educator, UM Cooperative Extension, Piscataquis County Office

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