Are you thinking about selling timber?
Are you thinking about selling timber? Take time and consider the following before selling your timber.
- Consider taking your time.
- Consider establishing a woodland stewardship plan.
- Consider calling a Ohio Division of Natural Resources (ODNR) service forester.
- Consider calling a consulting forester.
High standing timber prices peak interest in buying and selling timber. In fact, you may have received a timber buyer mailer or had a timber buyer knock on your door.
Selling timber is an interest for most landowners but you may not know where to start.
Now, every year I get phone calls from landowners regarding the terrible experiences of selling timber. These conversations are summed up in this way: “I was manipulated into selling my trees, now I am left with huge regret and an absolute mess.”
Therefore, consider the following before making a definitive decision to sell your timber:
1. Consider taking your time.
Time is on your side. Take necessary time to think about your decision.
It is human nature to be hasty. A quick decision in this situation can have lasting negative effects.
It would behoove you to establish a simple process to make your decision.
Consider the following to assist you.
2. Consider establishing a woodland stewardship plan.
Building a house requires strategic planning.
Now, the same is true for landscape stewardship. Managing your forest is more involved than just selling trees.
If you are a private landowner and have conservation interests, you should seriously consider establishing a formal management strategy for your property (even it is small). This plan is a crucial tool for your conservation toolbox.
The purposes of this type of plan are:
- To be a functional guide for stewardship.
- To be a practical reference for executing stewardship.
Your plan will be your blueprint for your conservation and stewardship efforts.
3. Consider calling an Ohio Division of Natural Resources (ODNR) service forester.
Natural resource departments employ foresters to assist private landowners with forest management questions and concerns.
Consider the following listing as examples that may be near you:
| State | Department | Forester Title | Website |
| Ohio | Department of Natural Resources (DNR) | Service forester | https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/forestry/landowner-assistance/aab-service-foresters |
| Michigan | Department of Natural Resources (DNR) | Service forester | https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/ForestStewardshipProgram_Service_Foresters_LocationMap_464525_7.pdf |
| Pennsylvania | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) | Service forester | https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Conservation/ForestsAndTrees/ManagingYourWoods/Pages/default.aspx |
| West Virginia | Division of Forestry | Service forester | https://wvforestry.com/pdf/WV_Service_Foresters.pdf |
| Indiana | Department of Natural Resources (DNR) | District forester | https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/private-forestland-management/district-foresters/ |
| New York | Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) | Stewardship forester | https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/97398.html |
A forester from your state department should be part of your professional stewardship team.
Find the one for your region. Call them and schedule a site visit. You will not regret it.
4. Consider hiring a consulting forester.
Private consulting foresters exist to assist you with your goals and objectives in your forestland (including your wildlife management).
Do you live in Ohio?
Consider these consulting forester directories.
Ohio Association of Consulting Foresters
Ohio Society of American Foresters
https://www.osafdirectory.com/consultingForester
These will give you an effective start to find the right consultant to add to your professional stewardship team.
If you follow these suggestions, you will not regret it. You will establish a team of professionals that are skilled and faithful stewards of the landscape.
About Dave Duell
Outdoorsman, conservationist, forester, father, husband, and Christian: Dave Duell owns and manages Legacy Land and Wildlife LLC and provides conservation and forestry services and guidance to Pennsylvania and Ohio. It's his passion to assist and educate land owners and other outdoors enthusiasts about the importance of being a good steward of their land and the wildlife therein. Learn more about Dave and Legacy Land & Wildlife by clicking here.
Legacy Land & Wildlife LLC is your resource for forestry, conservation, and land & wildlife stewardship. Based in Eastern Ohio, we provide services to Ohio, Pennsylvania, and beyond.