Timber Sale Management
This service includes recommendations regarding the species and size of trees that should be included in the next harvest. Individual trees to be included in the next sale are marked with paint on the trunk and stump and the number of trees and board feet of timber by species is calculated. A bid sheet listing sale specifics, location, date and time of the bid opening is then mailed to licensed timber buyers. A written contract is prepared between the owner and the successful bidder. Periodic inspections at the onset of harvest operations and afterward are included.
Forest Management Plans
Forest management plans incorporate an on-site inventory of current growing stock, soil data and landowner objectives to arrive at management recommendations. Recommendations may include forest stand improvements such as thinning, weeding and crop tree release; timber harvests or waiting to allow trees to grow. Forest Management Plans approved in Illinois provide many possible benefits including property taxes reduced to 1/6 of the agricultural rate, eligibility for cost share assistance for state and federal funds, improved productivity and progress toward landowner objectives. For non-forested land or where eventual timber harvests are not anticipated a Conservation Stewardship Plan is an alternative for landowners who do not want to harvest trees for timber.
Forest Stand Improvements
Forest stand improvements typically involve the killing of undesirable trees in the forest stand to allow the more desirable trees to grow faster and more vigorously. Trees killed are usually girdled with a chainsaw, left standing and treated with an herbicide.
Appraisals
By placing a value on standing timber a tax basis for future timber sales can be established. By establishing a basis, income taxes on future sales can be greatly reduced or eliminated. An appraisal is especially important for recently purchased or inherited timberland.
“A forest does not weep over one tree. ”