THE CONSULTING FORESTER

Nearly everyone has a woodlot, but few know anything about trees or how to sell them and at what prices. You pay taxes on your woodlot, and then every once in awhile someone knocks on your door and says 'I'll give you $4,000 for your trees'. That's $4,000 that you don't have and agree to it, but the trees may be worth $40,000.

You're raising a commodity that can probably profit you more per acre than a crop of corn if you manage it right. And, if you don't know how to do that, and don't know how to determine the trees to be cut for a timber sale or assess their value, you need to get some help. For most landowner's, the best advice is going to come from a consulting forester.

Most consulting foresters are paid on commission, a percentage of the total value of the timber sale. Most professionals charge a 15% - 20% commission. In many cases a consultant forester can get you 5 to 10 times more money for your trees than what a buyer may first offer you. Consulting foresters may get 15% - 20% of the total, but if you are going to do any selling, consultant foresters can make you more money than any deal you can set up on you own.

Consultant foresters will walk your woodlot with you and determine what species of trees and what size of trees are to be removed. They can determine the volume and mark the trees to be cut, prepare the timber sale proposal, prepare the bid document, advertise the sale, and put it out for competitive bids.

A consultant will also prepare the timber sale contract to protect your interests with such items as haul roads, skid roads, decking areas, slash removal and integration and protection of other resources on the sale area. When the bid comes in, consulting foresters can help select the best one and ensure that the timber buyer has the proper bonding to cover any damages.

Some of the buyers prefer to work with a consulting forester helping the landowner because it saves the buyer a lot of work and headaches. A good managed woodlot can make you more money than any other crop. If you want a productive woodlot that generates income with fewer headaches when you sell timber, a consulting forester may be for you.

In selecting a consultant you should look for a professional forester with consulting experience diversed in forest land and resource management. Your consultant should be a professional forester, registered in the State of Michigan and certified by the recognized professional forestry associations and societies of the forestry profession.