Timber Sales Process

Here is an overview of what you can expect.

First I will meet with you to review your timber management goals and objectives.  I will do a walk through of your harvest area to make a visual assessment of forest resources and observe your boundary lines and logging access.  We will then review your timber sales expectations, desired future woodland condition, the sales process, and timelines.  I will provide this sales assessment at no charge.

The next step would be to measure and mark the trees to be cut.  From this information I will be able to prepare a comprehensive volume and value report.  At this point the landowner will decide whether to continue with sales preparation and marketing.  The decision to award the sale will be the landowners, along with the right to reject any or all bids.  The logger will be required to sign a contract and pay prior to harvesting.  Insurance and performance bond or deposit is also usually required.  Sales administration and inspections are the final steps of the process.

However, if you have not made up your mind on what you want to harvest prior to marking, I can develop a management plan based on a less intensive point sample timber cruise to determine the age, stocking, condition and health of your woodland.  For larger property, more detail will be provided based on dividing the forestland into manageable portions or stands.  Based on your objectives, we can develop a sustainable and environmentally sound management plan that may include activities such as mature tree harvests, commercial thinning, reforestation, non-commercial stand improvement work and wildlife habitat improvement with respect for the aesthetics of the property.

1.   Landowner Meeting:

• Review management goals and objectives
• Assess Resources

2.   Measure and Mark Timber

• Define limiting boundaries
• Measure and mark trees to be cut
• Prepare comprehensive timber volume and value report

3.   Timber Marketing

• Prepare maps and prospectus
• Notify adjacent landowners
• Develop harvest plan that meets Best Management Practices (BMP’s)
• Set up sale contract
• Solicit appropriate timber buyers
• Conduct onsite timber showing

4.   Receive Bids

·         Insure minimum requirements are met

5.   Sales Award – Landowners Decision

• Landowner determines with the right to reject any or all bids
• Timber purchaser submits down payment and insurance documentation
• Timber purchaser provides performance deposit/bond and signs contract

6.   Harvest Inspection

• Landowner receives timber payment prior to harvesting
• Consultant/landowner meets with logger/purchaser upon or prior to starting
• Through inspections both parties review compliance with contract & BMP’s
• Purchaser provides proper sale area closure
• Upon landowner acceptance, consultant refunds performance deposits/bond