Getting ready for a sale

Consult a forester

Landowners often fail to get the best price for their timber because they lack information about its volume, quality,
fair market value, and about proper marketing techniques.

Most foresters are knowledgeable
about timber sale procedures and current prices. Your local state forestry agency personnel can furnish free advice and provide limited assistance in preparing timber for sale. When appropriate, they may refer you to consulting or industry foresters for additional assistance.

Consulting foresters are an important partner in achieving a successful timber sale, and works as an agent for the landowner. They are professionals who prepare and monitor a timber sale on behalf of the landowner. Usually they offer a wide range of specialized services, including comprehensive timber sale assistance, on a fee basis. Below is a list of services that a consulting forester can provide.

1. Conducting a pre-harvest inventory: marking, measuring, and estimating volume of trees to be harvested.
2. Preparation with timber sale contracts, including down payments, performance bonds and payment schedules.
3. Assisting with compliance with permitting requirements and timber tax.
4. Laying out skid trails, landing sites, and water crossings.
5. Showing timber to prospective buyers and awarding the contract through a sealed bid.
6. Supervising the harvesting operation.
7. Assisting with income tax reporting.
8. Preparing the site for reestablishing a timber stand.

Most landowners find that this expense is more than offset by the higher selling price consultants secure for their timber. Some timber companies also provide forestry assistance and may offer free seedlings and discounts for certain forestry services. You should have a contract with the consulting forester to specify the services they will provide for your individual sale. Be aware that the forester who is buying the timber is not acting as an agent for the landowner. In this case, they are working for someone else and are representing their employer's interests.

Your other objectives for timber ownership and management, such as wildlife, outdoor recreation, and visual values should also be carefully considered before any timber harvesting. The assistance of a professional forester in planning a harvesting operation can assure that such factors are taken into account. The manner in which timber is harvested today greatly determines the productivity and value of the forest tomorrow.

Click on the video icon to hear David Mercker, an Extension Forester, explain the benefits of working with a forestry professional.

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