Forestry: Maximizing your return on investment.

[@LostCaper]

The bark beetle killed much of our soft wood. We struggle here because we can't compete against the free lumber that the Canadian government gave to the big forestry companies. Unfortunately corruption at the upper level makes things difficult for us small scale guy. I found a small niche selling firewood and other forest products and I do enjoy my work. My operation and labour of love can be seen on my channel. Great information. Great video thanks for keeping it simple.

[@WoodlandCompanies]

Hiring a consulting forester on a commission basis rather than hourly asking the forester to put himself or her self in a conflict of interest position, which is something that is prohibited by the Association of Consulting Foresters. Your Forester should not have a financial gain due to marking high value trees over lower value trees, thus with a commission in the sale income he can easily be accused of improperly marking trees for his own gain.

[@mindexplorer01]

Other foresters recognize 'high grading' and will blackball the sorry loggers that do it. Majority of foresters would never do it as that degrades the forest quality. Most loggers are honorable enough people to refuse to do it either. It's really the fly-by-night startups with "bubba" that rip off and borderline thieve from unknowing landowners. If you can't afford a forestry consultant, please call your local 'extension office' for assistance.

[@JoeZorzin]

I've been a forester since 1973. I notice that here in Massachusetts foresters use different methods for how they charge to manage a timber sale. I don't think any method is necessarily wrong- it's all about if the forester is honest. I agree that the hourly method is best- but many forest owners don't like that because they'll consider the hourly rate too high. The hourly rate, for professionals, has to be at least what electricians and plumbers charge, if not doctors and lawyers and that will seem high for walking in their woods. Also, the owners may have some concern that the total number of hours is out of their control. In recent years I charge by the hour and offer an upper limit on the number of hours I'll charge- just to put the owners' minds at ease. I can estimate quite accurately how long it'll take to mark trees, do calculates, prepare all paper work, oversee work, etc. In the past, when working in an area with higher value timber- I charged a flat rate of 15%. But that didn't mean I was marking the best trees and leaving the "junk wood" because I really hate high grading. Regardless of what method to charge is used, either hourly, or by percent, or by acreage- whatever--- the forester might be a crook or not. Having a long and good reputation is important- so the forest owner should evaluate that.

[@Eastky23wildlife]

@@JoeZorzin I hacked and squirted a 26,acre parcel in Appalachian ky.

[@niabecker1820]

Nice video. Your local Conservation District Forester is also a great (and free!) resource!

[@peterellis4262]

Is there such a thing in Michigan? As near as I can tell, there are none. The DNR just lists references for contacting private foresters for hire.

[@goodnessofg-d1315]

There is no value in what is priceless

[@CeciltheDiesel1]

I have been an independent consulting forester for 50 years, People don't listen and lose tens of thousands on a timber sale.

[@jimh3500]

Awesome vid

[@Domini_k]

I wouldn't say all the information provided here seems professional? Do your research and get engaged as much as possible, ideally ask a professional bodied for advice and information. Knowledge is key.

[@natee2169]

So how much!? I watch all these videos and no one wants to give a ball park answer on how much you can get per tree or acre or whatever

[@seanbailey8545]

Depends on tree species supply and demand,how large the trees are and current stumpage values.

[@seanbailey8545]

Depends on tree species,tree size,how many trees are planted per acre,are they used for fire wood?,timber or high quality veneers?. But as a guide Sitka spruce is around £7000 per acre but takes around 30-35 years to be at full size.

[@CeciltheDiesel1]

It is not as simple as your mind is.