We here lots of sad stories about landowners getting ripped off by less than ethical loggers and think a few pointers may help your future logging efforts be more profitable.
For starters, not all loggers are crooks. Its kind of like any field. It only takes one or two to give all the rest a bad name. So for all you loggers out there that are above board we thank you!
I believe the most important step any landowner can take to ensure the most value is abtained from their woodlot is to contact their state forester. Most Department of Natural Resource offices will have a designated Forester for your area.
I know in Illinois the District Forester will inventory you land for ZERO $$$$ and place your property into a forest management program that can earn you money for taking care of it as well as more money during future timber harvest.
The key is establishing that vital relationship with the forester. I do not reccomend using a forester that is tied to a logging company as more often than not we see less than ethical transactions take place. Besides, our own District Forester does it for free and that was his advice as well.
If you have any other tips for the Landowner who would like to profit from his timber please contribute.