Harvests have financial and ecological results that will last for years to come. Take the time you need to make an informed decision.  Talk to multiple foresters before choosing one to represent your financial and ecological interests. Reach out to friends and neighbors to learn about their experience with harvesting. Below are some considerations to help you get started.

All harvests do not provide the same benefits. Choosing an objective will help determine the type of trees that get harvested and in the amount of trees. The trees that remain will determine the benefits your forest provides for decades to come. Objectives vary between landowners and can include things such as wildlife habitat, income, forest health, and recreation. Speak with your local state service forester and work with a private forester in order to make an informed decision regarding the differences between objectives and the their likely impacts.

Most harvests require filing a Forest Cutting Plan with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. A state service forester will then review the plan in the woods to make sure it meets the minimum state requirements. As a part of filing the Forest Cutting Plan, you will be asked to choose your harvest objective. Be sure that the cutting plan accurately reflects your goals.  State service foresters are also responsible for providing free education and technical assistance to landowners. If you have any questions, contact your local service forester.

There are many factors which affect the value of your timber including its: species, size and quality. Factors such as terrain, logging distance, and the presence of streams and wetlands also influence the difficulty of the job and will affect the price.

Removing only the biggest and best trees (known as high grading) does not necessarily maximize your immediate income from the harvest and can greatly reduce future income from the forest. The way in which you sell your wood has a significant impact on the money you receive. Generally there are two ways in which the price of your timber is determined:

1. Negotiated Price - A price is negotiated for the value of your timber. The price can be negotiated by yourself or by someone with a greater knowledge of timber prices representing your interests, such as a private forester. The price can be paid as a lump sum (i.e. one amount of money for your timber) or based on mill tally (i.e. your trees are cut, brought to the mill, and you are paid for the wood based on their measurement of the delivered logs). Negotiated prices are used most frequently when timber harvesters, timber buyers or industrial foresters buy timber directly from landowners. Consulting Foresters will also use negotiated sales when selling timber of marginal value or when particular equipment or expertise is needed.
    
2. Competitive Bid - The trees to be cut are marked in the woods with paint and at the same time the volume of the wood is estimated. A showing is organized in which multiple bidders visit your property and make bids on your wood. A competitive bid will determine the value of your wood in the open market and can give you the most money for your wood, especially for high quality timber. Read an article comparing the spread of competitive bids. Competitive bids are used primarily by consulting foresters.

You are legally responsible for making sure the harvest meets all relevant local and state laws such as the Forest Cutting Practices Act, Wetland Protection Act, and Endangered Species Act. This means you need a clear understanding of pertinent laws or should work with someone you trust that can protect your interests.

It should be noted that although the state service forester may periodically check on a job for compliance with state regulation, it is not their responsibility to supervise a job for you or to make sure it is in compliance with your individual contract.

A good contract is a critical part of a successful job! A strong contract with the important elements that represents your interests will make sure your goals and legal obligations are met. Common Elements of a Contract.

A performance bond is like a security deposit. It can be issued at the start of the job as assurance that contract provisions will be met. Should the contract not be fulfilled, the landowner has funds to address the deficiencies, such as hiring a bull dozer to smooth ruts.

• Find a Forester or Land Trust Working in Your Town
• Southern New England Stumpage Price Report