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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
LOGGING AND FORESTRY
Do you do selective logging? What exactly is that?
Yes we do. Selective logging from our point of view, is careful individual tree selection based upon the landowner's objectives and a careful look at forest ecology, genetics and stand health. As a forester, I can help guide you through the process of tree selection and harvest systems. Remember, more often than not, it is not what we harvest, but what we leave behind for your stand and the future.
What options do I have for my woodlands?
Again, depending upon your objectives and the overall conditions present, there can be lots of options. In the past, some landowners in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho have had only one large harvest on their property, over the course of owning it. We know now that with carefully planning and using the proper silvicultural system, we can manage a forest over a long period of time. This can produce several harvests and income for the landowner, and yet leave their forest healthy and vibrant. Different options include seed tree harvests, shelter wood harvests, and various levels of partial harvests.
How do I know what I need for my forest?
Give us a call or an e-mail. We can schedule an on site visit for looking at your situation. We are sincere in our desire to be a good resource for your forestry needs. If we see you don't need a timber sale, we will let you know that, too. We are very low pressure! The old saying, ''those who fail to plan, plan to fail", applies particularly to timber land. Many folks put more research into what kind of electronic gear to purchase, than what to do with their very valuable trees. We have spent thousands of hours walking properties with folks. We even help sponsor forestry tours each year.
What does that cost?
Generally, we are able to spend an hour or two walking the land and getting a feel for things, at no cost to the landowner.
What can I make from my timber?
That is hard to give a blanket statement on. The cost of a timber sale involves the logging cost, the haul cost, and forestry fees. Different species and different diameter logs, pay different prices. Landowners have differing needs. So a visit from a professional forester such as myself will give you a clearer idea of the value in your timber stand. A well managed forest will
generally yield about 8% a year for the landowner. A walk through with the forester will help give you some better ideas of profitability.
What kind of taxes are applicable to timber sales?
Normally, there are state excise taxes on timber. Federal taxes are impacted generally as capital gains. There are ways of working those areas over to pay a more reasonable rate. I would be glad to outline those.
Are special permits required?
Yes, most often a State Forest Practice permit is required. We can explain what the document requires and help fill it out.
What about property lines?
We are experienced at running property lines. Sometimes a professional surveyor may be needed, and we can also help with that. Our goal is for the landowner to remain trouble-free from any possible problems.
Are your loggers insured?
Yes, we can provide the landowner with certificates of insurance and further name the landowner as additionally insured.
How can I be sure you will do a good job on my property?
We are members of the Better Business Bureau. Also we can provide a list of references and a tour of job sites where we have worked. We try and make our last job our next calling card. I am a board member of the local chapter of the Washington Farm Forestry Association, a landowner group dedicated to providing educational and legislative help to forest landowners. I own and operate a family tree farm and know first hand how much hard work is involved in owning and maintaining forested land.
What other services do you provide?
We offer forest plans, timber cruising, expert witness testimony, tree planting, tree thinning, recreational trail development and various types of property management such as weed control and detailed land clean up.
Yes we do. Selective logging from our point of view, is careful individual tree selection based upon the landowner's objectives and a careful look at forest ecology, genetics and stand health. As a forester, I can help guide you through the process of tree selection and harvest systems. Remember, more often than not, it is not what we harvest, but what we leave behind for your stand and the future.
What options do I have for my woodlands?
Again, depending upon your objectives and the overall conditions present, there can be lots of options. In the past, some landowners in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho have had only one large harvest on their property, over the course of owning it. We know now that with carefully planning and using the proper silvicultural system, we can manage a forest over a long period of time. This can produce several harvests and income for the landowner, and yet leave their forest healthy and vibrant. Different options include seed tree harvests, shelter wood harvests, and various levels of partial harvests.
How do I know what I need for my forest?
Give us a call or an e-mail. We can schedule an on site visit for looking at your situation. We are sincere in our desire to be a good resource for your forestry needs. If we see you don't need a timber sale, we will let you know that, too. We are very low pressure! The old saying, ''those who fail to plan, plan to fail", applies particularly to timber land. Many folks put more research into what kind of electronic gear to purchase, than what to do with their very valuable trees. We have spent thousands of hours walking properties with folks. We even help sponsor forestry tours each year.
What does that cost?
Generally, we are able to spend an hour or two walking the land and getting a feel for things, at no cost to the landowner.
What can I make from my timber?
That is hard to give a blanket statement on. The cost of a timber sale involves the logging cost, the haul cost, and forestry fees. Different species and different diameter logs, pay different prices. Landowners have differing needs. So a visit from a professional forester such as myself will give you a clearer idea of the value in your timber stand. A well managed forest will
generally yield about 8% a year for the landowner. A walk through with the forester will help give you some better ideas of profitability.
What kind of taxes are applicable to timber sales?
Normally, there are state excise taxes on timber. Federal taxes are impacted generally as capital gains. There are ways of working those areas over to pay a more reasonable rate. I would be glad to outline those.
Are special permits required?
Yes, most often a State Forest Practice permit is required. We can explain what the document requires and help fill it out.
What about property lines?
We are experienced at running property lines. Sometimes a professional surveyor may be needed, and we can also help with that. Our goal is for the landowner to remain trouble-free from any possible problems.
Are your loggers insured?
Yes, we can provide the landowner with certificates of insurance and further name the landowner as additionally insured.
How can I be sure you will do a good job on my property?
We are members of the Better Business Bureau. Also we can provide a list of references and a tour of job sites where we have worked. We try and make our last job our next calling card. I am a board member of the local chapter of the Washington Farm Forestry Association, a landowner group dedicated to providing educational and legislative help to forest landowners. I own and operate a family tree farm and know first hand how much hard work is involved in owning and maintaining forested land.
What other services do you provide?
We offer forest plans, timber cruising, expert witness testimony, tree planting, tree thinning, recreational trail development and various types of property management such as weed control and detailed land clean up.
As a member of the Society of American Foresters, I am dedicated to providing honet and valuable forestry assistance to landowners.