BEFORE THE SALE

Nearly half of the state of Kentucky is forested. During the next few weeks of late winter and early spring there is generally an increase in the amount of timber that will be cut from the woodlands of Kentucky. The log reserves at the local sawmills are dwindling, a result of a wet winter season. If you are one of the 300,000 forest land owners of Kentucky, you might receive a phone call or a personal visit from a logger offering to buy and ultimately cutting your timber stand.

Very few forest land owners sell timber more than once in their life time. It is best to take this opportunity to investigate all the options that are available for you as a timber owner to get the best possible price AND management opportunities. When selling timber there are two general methods that are recognized in selling – the lump sum or pay-as-you-cut methods.

If you are like many forest landowners, selling timber can be a very intimidating process. You need to understand the issues involved with liability insurance, capital gains, BMP adherence, market values and potential market risks. All of these terms and concepts will greatly affect the final price that you would receive for any timber sold.

Using the services of a consulting professional forester will provide you the advantage of a better understanding on how to sell your timber. The consulting forester’s knowledge of logging practices and legal issues, contracts, and sales procedures will assure that the landowner’s interests are protected. A forest consultant assumes the same duties that a realtor does when you sell a house – they represent you and your timber resource.

Not only will the consulting forester help in managing the timber sale, but will help in any future management decisions of your forested land. Kentucky is very fortunate to have the soils, species, and growing conditions suitable for the growth of a valuable timber crop. But like any agricultural crop, it is necessary for continued management during the harvest as well as the next rotation. Consult a forester before you sell any timber. They have the tools and knowledge to increase the return on your forest investment. Remember, timber is a slow growing resource. Many of the economically mature stands in Kentucky are nearly 100 years old. Several additional months of “timber” education, with the aid of a professional forester, will only add value onto the timber you own, time that both you and your woodlands can afford.

A consulting forester can be found by simply contacting your local county Cooperative Extension Service office.