If you own a large tract of wooded land, you probably regularly receive letters in the mail from companies asking to purchase the timber off of your land. The money the companies offer may look good, but this may not be the best choice for the acreage. Instead of going with your gut feeling, there are professionals you can consult on the forestry staff. Here are a few ways that a member of their team can help.
1. Science-Based Decisions
Forestry consulting services employ dedicated professionals with college degrees and years of experience in forest management, as well as other areas of conservation. Consultants have many different areas of expertise.
They are well-trained in ecology, economics, as well as social acceptability surrounding forest management. These teams understand the impact maintaining a healthy forest has on all other aspects of the environment. Forestry consulting can help you make choices based on science to maximize the value of your resource.
2. They Work For You
Unlike other consultants who are employed by loggers, sawmills, or other associations, forestry consultants work for you, the property owner. The advice they give you, or the decisions they assist you with, will not be influenced by other parties.
When you meet with a forestry consultant, they will ask you specific questions about what you want to do with your land. What are some of your goals? For instance, they might include:
These are questions that only you, as the owner of the land, can answer. The consultant's opinions will be based on what is right for the objectives you provide and the health of your land.
3. They May Provide Cost Savings
Did you know that in many areas, obtaining a forestry designation for your tract of land can greatly reduce your tax bill? Sometimes, this designation can save you more than 50 percent of what you would pay without a forestry designation.
Forestry consulting services can help you apply for forestry designation with your tax office if you qualify. They will also be able to advise you of all the necessary steps you must take to obtain and retain your designation and your discount.
For example, a forestry designation does not mean you must maintain your trees forever and cannot sell timber off your land. Even with a forestry designation, there are certain amounts you can cut and sell. The most important part of retaining your designation is covering the steps you need to replant the land with new trees.