Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely!  Very often, clients are unsure of what quality forest they currently have or hope to have, and management may not be needed right away.  That is why we offer an initial visit of your property at no cost to determine your outlook.  

Inventorying timber provides a forest manager with factual data from which to base prudent management decisions.  An inventory, also known as a timber "cruise", samples a given area to determine species composition, size, quality, and other characteristics.  This data is useful when assessing forest health, selling timber, and determining future management goals.  

There are multiple ways to market your timber.  Here are some examples:

1. We can direct-hire a reputable and insured logging contractor to harvest the timber and bring it to mills that offer the highest rate of return for your raw material.  You would receive payment weekly after the material is hauled to mills and settlements are received.   You would then pay the logger and our management commission or we can handle that process for you.  
2. We can facilitate a timber sale bid to attract multiple buyers in which the highest bidder is selected to sign a timber sale contract.  You can decide whether the contract requires a lump-sum payment up front or a "pay-as-cut" format.  

The size, location, and species composition of the property and also market trends will help determine how you should market your timber.  We can help you determine that.

We perform multiple duties when facilitating a timber sale and harvest.  The management commission covers the cost of multiple trips to the property, timber inventory and marking, a harvest proposal, formulation and execution of bids/contracts, and oversight of logging contractors to guarantee that timber is merchandised properly and that contract guidelines are being followed to protect the property from damage.  

Yes.  

Leasing forest land for hunting and recreation is a very common source of income for landowners.  Leasing land to ethical individuals also aids in management and security when you cannot visit your property on a regular basis. 

There are also multiple government programs that offer land-rent or easement payments for qualifying properties that remain or are re-established in natural ecosystems.  These programs often involve contracts with terms of 15 to 30 years.  AFC can help you find the program that fits your needs.   

Your property may not require any treatment at this time, but you may want a formal written management plan to know what treatment is due in the future.  The Natural Resource Conservation Service offers a cost-share benefit when having a management plan created for your property by approved forestry consultants such as those at Acadian Forestry.  

There are also state and federal cost-share programs that help you in establishing or maintaining a forest on your property.  We can help you find the program that is right for your needs.