FOREST OPERATIONS >> GETTING HELP FROM PROFESSIONALS
FORESTERS
Given the long-term nature of tree growth, most forest landowners carry out a timber sale only once or twice in a lifetime. With such limited activity, even the serious landowner may find it difficult to remain informed on every aspect of selling timber wisely and profitably. Mistakes at this point may be costly and long lasting. Landowners should seek professional help when they are considering a timber sale.
A professional forester can help plan the proper silvicultural treatments needed for a woodlot, as well as mark and tally the trees for sale. The forester can also help advertise the sale to qualified loggers. Using a forester will ensure that a proper contract is prepared so that the property is protected and the landowner receives proper compensation for their product. Professional forestry assistance is available from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry via your local service forester, from private consulting foresters, and industry foresters. Upon request, service foresters will examine a landowner’s woodlot and make suggestions. However, owners will be asked to retain private forester consultation for commercial timber sale assistance.
TIMBER HARVESTERS
Often the only forest management advice a forest landowner receives is from a logger. In those cases, we encourage forest landowners to seek out SFI Qualified Logging Professionals trained through the Pennsylvania SFI Professional Timber Harvester Training Program when conducting forestry operations. This training program has been part of the Pennsylvania SFI Implementation Committee’s innovative approach to promoting responsible forestry on all lands by boosting the proficiency of participating logging professionals across Pennsylvania. More than 7,000 individuals have completed PA SFI training programs, including thousands of independent logging contractors. Our training participants work across Pennsylvania and implement the new things they learn through our training program on a daily basis.
SFI Qualified Logging Professionals have completed training in OSHA safety requirements and have received comprehensive training in forest stewardship and best management practices (BMPs) to protect water quality. In addition, they also complete four hours of continuing education each year to maintain their status. The training and experience these individuals possess can help facilitate wise and sustainable timber harvest operations.
SFI Certified Organizations and other forest products companies and land managers recognize the value and require their loggers to be SFI trained. Do you?
THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD CONTRACTS
In order to manage for forest health and sustainability, woodland owners often need to enter into agreements with foresters, loggers, timber buyers and other forestry professionals. Contracts, in particular written contracts that outline these relationships, can help you avoid problems on your land–everything from a minor hassle to a costly mistake. A good contract should clearly identify and convey all the expectations of everyone involved prior to the operation.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR DO-IT-YOURSELF LANDOWNERS
