Your woods are a wonderful and complex natural resource. Achieving your landowner goals takes knowledge of these forests and careful planning. Working with a forester is an excellent way to determine your range of management options and choose a management strategy to meet your goals, while protecting your interest.
A forester is a professional with college level training and experience in a broad range of forest-related topics including forest and wildlife ecology, economics, legal issues and the growing and harvesting of forest products. Foresters are licensed in Massachusetts based on a combination of formal education and work experience and must maintain their license through continuing education.
Types of Foresters
Service Foresters are employed by the state and can provide free technical assistance, education, and a walk-through consultation on your land. A service forester is an excellent first step in determining your objectives and options. Service foresters are also responsible for regulating timber harvests and approving management plans for the Ch. 61 and Forest Stewardship program.
Private Foresters assist landowners in managing their woods including setting up timber sales, writing management plans, finding boundaries and implementing wildlife habitat improvements. When selling timber, a private forester can: develop a harvest strategy to meet your particular management goals, craft a strong contract that represents your interests, determine a fair price for your timber, find responsible timber harvesters to harvest your woods, and make sure you meet all of your legal obligations. There are two types of private foresters:
1. Consulting Foresters, who generally work independently or in small firms and are paid directly by the landowner
2. Industrial Foresters, who are employed by a sawmill or other wood-using industry.
Selecting a forester to work with is like choosing any other professional. A good starting point is to ask friends and neighbors about their experiences with a licensed forester. Ask for references and even visit some of their past work. Time spent in finding a reputable licensed forester is time well invested as a good forester who understands your goals and protects your interests is a critical part of meeting your goals.
Related Links:
Find a Service Forester or Private Forester Working in Your Town
Foresters and the Care of Your Land (PDF)
What is a Fair Price for Your Timber (PDF)
Expense of Private Forestry (PDF)
Difference in Money Paid for Timber Put out to Bid (PDF)
