10 tips for woodlot profits and enjoyment · as being part of the growing cycle, and they often...

10TIPS FOR WOODLOTPROFITS AND ENJOYMENT

NATIONAL EDITION

WRITTENBY

DICKHALL

DNR Photo by Jeff Martin

1RECOGNIZE THE VALUEOF YOUR WOODLOT

The most profitable acreage on the farm maynot be the best corn ground. It’s often the farmwoodlot. That’s especially true if the woodlot isgrowing saw timber or veneer-quality red oak,black cherry, black walnut or sugar maple.Other tree species and forest products arealso profitable to grow. It will usually pay towork with the mix of trees already growingon an existing woodlot. The trees that arebest suited to the site are generally the mostprofitable ones to grow in that woodlot. Anda variety of trees helps protect the woodsfrom being destroyed by a specific diseaseor insect.

With care and planning some hardwood standscan be managed to grow $200 or more intimber value per acre each year. Properlytended, some pine plantations on good soilscan grow one cord of wood per acre for everyyear after planting. The first harvests canbe taken at 20 to 25 years and products ofincreasing value harvested at seven- toten-year intervals thereafter.

Most farm woodlots are neglected becausethey don’t provide cash flow as frequently ascorn or soybeans or milk. Paychecks fromwood come only periodically, sometimes onlyonce in a lifetime. Farm woodlots are oftenviewed as a source of cash in an emergencyand a place to hunt deer. They are seldomconsidered in the total farm economic plan.

That need not be the case. Most woodlots havethe potential to produce more harvestablewood than they do. Most can be harvestedmore often than they are, even as often asevery five years, depending on the amount ofacreage and the kinds of trees growing there.

Farmers may be better positioned to cash in onthe benefits of woodlot management than anyother woodland owner group. They live andwork on the land. They are outdoors oriented.They recognize trees and other living organismsas being part of the growing cycle, and theyoften have the equipment, knowledge, and timeto do the ongoing chores that return increasedprofits and personal satisfaction.

Remember that trees aren’t the only marketableproduct growing in your woodlot. You mayhave maple syrup, mushrooms, wild ginseng,herbs, boughs, nuts and other specialty forestproducts. Also keep in mind that unusualpieces of wood – burls, crotches, wood withattractive grains, and other characteristicsmight be of interest to woodworkers andwoodcrafters.

The advantages of considering the woodlotas part of the total farm plan pays off inadded income, increased land value overtime, increased wildlife and recreationalvalue, and increased pride of ownership thatstrengthens the bond between generations.

Practical farm forestry is based on commonsense knowledge that comes naturally tofarmers. The fine points are easy to learn.Help is readily available. A good place tobegin is by contacting your state forestryoffice, state forestry extension office or localconsulting foresters for assistance. See thecontact information presented on the backcover of this Guide.

Keeping records about woodland activitiesis an important but often neglected task. Thebest approach is to keep a woodlot logbook.Any spiral or loose-leaf binder will do. Recordevery activity by time and date regardlessof how trivial it may seem. Just describewhat took place in as much detail as youcan. Include numbers whenever they areappropriate. Require all family members tomake entries of any activity. The logbookis a simple approach to recordkeeping andbecomes more valuable over time as itaccumulates useful information for futuremanagement.

A Farmer’s Guide to Woodland Management: 10 Tips for Woodlot Profits and Enjoyment

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2It’s crucial to know what kinds of trees aregrowing on your woodlot, how much woodthey contain, and what they are worth beforeany management decisions can be made. Thisinformation is obtained through a field inventorycalled a timber cruise. There are several waysto obtain timber inventory data.

A forester may be hired to perform the inventory.The woodlot is divided into stands containingdifferent timber types, much like the other fieldson the farm. Individual stands may containvarious sizes of trees, including new plantations.They may also vary by species composition,or management techniques. Most standsare easily distinguished from others. Somewoodlots are uniform throughout and maybe managed as one stand.

The forester locates sample plots in each standand then identifies and measures all trees oneach plot. Volume by species is estimated forthe trees in the plot. Your forester will makemanagement recommendations based onmany factors in your woodlot including size,health, species composition, soils, geology,

tree species, etc. An inventory completedby a forester may cost from $500 to severalthousand dollars, depending on the numberof acres inventoried. The inventory shouldinclude written recommendations.

If you get an inventory and appraisal soonafter buying your property, it can also beuseful to establish your basis for futureincome tax calculations.

Some farmers may want to do their own forestinventory. Learning to cruise timber requiresattention to detail, but it can be learned andcan be a pleasant experience for the entirefamily. Contact your state forestry extensionoffice for more information, including specificpublications regarding the measurement oftrees and estimating their volume. Telephonenumbers for each state office are presentedon the back cover of this Guide.

An internet search for forest inventory softwarewill also reveal a number of free or low costproducts to calculate timber volumes. Someprograms can even project future growth.

TAKE AN INVENTORYOF WOODLAND RESOURCES


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3LEARN TO TENDTHE FOREST

Most woodlots require adjustments in stockinglevels if they are to produce maximum harvestsand profits. Stocking refers to the number oftrees growing per acre. Each tree speciesand combination of species has an optimumstocking level. Woodlots with less than optimumstocking are not making full use of the growingcapacity of the soil. Trees are too widely spacedand contain too many large limbs to producehigh value logs.

Stands with above optimum stocking levelstend to be crowded and nutrient resourcesof the soil are spread over more trees thanneeded. Mortality is high, growth is slow,and timber yields are reduced due to highcompetition among individual trees. Mostwoodlots that have not been grazed inthe past, or have developed from naturalregeneration, and that have not beenrecently harvested tend to be overstocked.

The best way to determine the stockinglevel in your woodlot is to measure the basalarea. This is the number of square feet ofstem cross section per acre when measuredat 4.5 feet above ground. It’s an easy conceptto understand and easy to measure. You canmake a simple gauge to measure basal areain the field or one may be purchased fromforestry supply catalogs. A penny held at25 inches from the eye will give a roughestimate once you know how. Contact yourstate forestry extension office for moreinformation, including specific publicationsregarding how to estimate stocking conditionsin your timber stand. Telephone numbers foreach state office are presented on the backcover of this Guide.

Once basal area is known, it becomes easyto adjust the stocking in your woodlot withthinnings or improvement cuttings. It’s muchlike weeding the garden. Trees of low vigor,poor health, poor form, undesirable species,or crowded spacing are marked for removal.Enough are cut so as to reduce the basal areato normal stocking levels as determined fromthe charts provided in the previously mentionedpublication. The trees of best form and mostvaluable species remain to grow and thrive.Trees removed may be marketed for pulpwood,firewood, saw logs, or veneer logs.

Maintaining proper stocking increases growthrate and steadily improves the quality andvalue of products harvested. It’s also a way toconstantly improve conditions for wildlife andenhance the natural scene. Improvements instocking may be do-it-yourself projects thatcan be done during off-seasons on the farm.They often pay big dividends in future harvestsand enjoyment.

Contact your state forestry extension office formore information, including specific publicationsregarding intermediate thinnings.


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4The men and women who are qualifiedforesters have spent years training to learntheir profession. There are times when everywoodland owner will profit from their depthof knowledge.

In many states, there are three categories offoresters available to offer management adviceto farmers: consulting foresters, industrialforesters and foresters employed by the state.

Private consulting foresters are self-employed.They contract with farmers and other woodlandowners to write management plans, do timberinventories, perform management practices,and conduct timber harvests. They work fora prearranged fee or a percentage of timbersales. They represent the woodland owner inall contractual arrangements with loggers.

Industrial foresters work for a paper mill orsaw mill. They offer management planningand other forestry services to farmers, oftenat no cost, but usually reserve the right offirst refusal when woodland owners havetimber stumpage for sale. They are mostlywell-qualified foresters whose salaries arepaid by the companies they represent.

Some states also have private land foresterswho work for the state. A list of public andprivate foresters can be obtained from yourstate forestry extension office, state forestryoffice, or consulting forester association.See the back cover for contact information.

It’s best to use the services of a forester whenthe management practice needed requires ahigh level of technical knowledge. Thinningor harvesting overstocked stands of mixedspecies is a good example. Trees interactwith each other in complex ways dependingon species, age, soil conditions, and lightrequirements. A forester will help avoidmistakes in selecting trees for cutting. Thiswill pay big dividends over the long-term.

Hiring a forester to administer a harvest isusually a good investment. Make sure to havea contract between you and the forester. The forester will mark trees to be harvested,determine volume by species, offer the saleto qualified loggers, advise you on which bidto accept for your timber, and make sure thelogger abides by the conditions of the timbersale contract. This will assure highest returnon your timber and best management forthe future.

The backgrounds and experience of forestersvary greatly. Select the one best suited to theneeds of your timber stand and your personalgoals. Ask for references and proof of liabilityinsurance. Contact those persons he/she hasprovided services for and become aware ofthe level of satisfaction in the work completed.

Expect to pay a consulting forester $30 to $70per hour for conducting inventories, markingstand improvements or thinnings or writingmanagement plans. The charge for conductinga timber harvest is usually 10% to 15% of thetotal receipts for the timber or it can be anhourly charge or by the acre. A good foresterwill make money for you far above the costof services.

KNOW WHENTO HIRE A FORESTER


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5PROFIT FROMDO-IT-YOURSELF LOGGING

Most farmers own equipment suitable forsmall-scale logging. A 40 to 80 horsepowerutility tractor with a three-point hitch makesa good low impact woods machine. A simpledraw bar and logging chain can be rigged tolift the small end of logs and skid them easilyfrom most woodlots. Front-end tractor loaderswork well for decking logs and pulpwood.Tractors should be equipped with roll barsand protection from falling objects.

Where woods work is an ongoing farm activity,it pays to invest in a skidding winch for thetractor. They are equipped with cable andchokers which allow you to pull logs easilyfrom tight places and work safely on slopes.The cost is about $3,000.

It also pays to invest in a high-performancechain saw. Expect to pay $500 or more. Keepa cheaper one on hand in case of “pinching”or other problems. Don’t operate a chain sawwithout wearing safety chaps and a hard hatwith hearing and eye protection. Becausechain saw work is the most dangerous workin the woods, consider enrolling in a one-daychain saw operation and safety class. Evenexperienced chain saw users find they learnthings that make their jobs easier and safer.

Contact the Game of Logging (GOL), atimber harvesting training program offeredto professional loggers, foresters, forestlandowners, and anyone interested inlearning any of the safety techniques.They can be reached at 800-252-2502 orwww.gameoflogging.com.

Do-it-yourself logging can increase yourreturn from a timber harvest by $75 to $100per thousand board feet. The return is leastfrom low-grade timber and is greatest fromhigh-grade logs of valuable species, providedyou are knowledgeable about proper fellingtechniques and bucking to grade. Log buyerswill bid for your logs on the landing if they areaccurately cut to their specifications.

Do-it-yourself logging keeps you active inmanaging your woodlot, lets you efficientlyuse equipment during winter, and lets youtake control of logging to minimize damageand to time harvests to benefit wildlife andscenic values.

There are downsides to do-it-yourself loggingas well, including the risk of injury previouslymentioned. Other risks include damagingstanding trees, the forest floor or stream bedswhen building trails, operating equipment andremoving logs. It’s also important to be awareof property boundaries. It’s a good idea to talkwith neighbors when considering thinning orcommercial harvests.

Request log grade specifications from potentialbuyers before beginning a do-it-yourself harvest.A misplaced saw cut can lower the value of aveneer log by hundreds of dollars. Learn tosort round wood products into veneer andsaw logs, saw bolts, and pulp wood. Establisha working relationship with a trusted truckeror logger who will pick up and deliver yourproducts to the mill when you have about4,500 board feet of sawlogs or a 12 cord loadof another product available. Make sure youhave a written contract.

If you’re considering the do-it-yourselfapproach, Conducting a SuccessfulTimber Sale: A primer for landownerswould be a useful resource. It’s availableby calling 608-267-7494 or on line athttp://cecommerce.uwex.edu/pdfs/GWQ036.pdf.


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DNR Photo by Paul Pingrey

6Most woodland owners are at a disadvantagewhen selling standing timber, so the best wayto conduct a sale is through the services of aforester. Be sure to have a written contractwith the forester. He or she will mark the treesor designate trees or areas to be harvested,total the volume by species, write an offer forsale giving complete details, and request bidsfrom a number of loggers actively seekingstumpage. The forester will help you determinewhich bid, if any, to accept and which loggerto select.

It’s best to solicit several bids. They will varywidely depending on the needs of the logger,the kind of timber you have for sale, the easeor difficulty of logging, and the distance frommills buying the products. It’s not unusual forthe high bid to be more than twice the amountof the low bid.

Once you have selected a logger, your foresterwill negotiate a written contract with the loggerand will spell out the terms of the sale and theconditions to be met in the woods. The foresterwill visit the harvest to make sure the loggermeets all provisions of the contract, collectpayments for the timber, subtract their feesand then disperse the rest to you. Foresterscan also testify on your behalf in case ofa dispute.

Or you can conduct a timber sale on your ownand save the fees charged by a forester. Ona large sale this is a considerable amount ofmoney. If you are confident you can performeach step in the sale as a forester would, youshould do so.

Consider how cut logs will be measured forpayment. In lump sum sales, a total value ispaid up front for all the timber in the harvest.Lump sum sales depend upon accurateestimates of the volume to be harvested,but the buyer carries the risks or benefitsof underruns or overruns. Another option is

scaled sales where individual sawlogs orpiles of pulpwood are measured either in thefield or at a mill. In scaled sales, the loggerpays for the timber removed. Be sure yourcontract is clear about the value per unit,who will do the scaling and any conversionfactors such as pounds per cord if pulpwoodis scaled by weight.

A list of loggers active in your county shouldbe available from your state or county forestryoffice. Ask at least five loggers to bid on yourmarked timber. Walk your woods with eachwhen they come to inspect the trees markedfor cutting. Ask each for at least one name of anearby farmer from whom they have purchasedstumpage. Set a deadline, including a time, forsubmitting a bid.

Consider all bids the day after the deadline.It’s unethical to consider late bids. You mayeither reject all bids or select any one of thoseoffered. You need not select the highest bid,especially if a logger with a lower bid is bettersuited to fulfill operational considerationsimportant to you. Ask the logger to agree toa written contract for conditions of the sale.Require payment before the harvest begins.Require the logger to supply proof of insuranceand set a deadline for completion of the harvest.Don’t overlook any details on the contractform. Contact your state forestry extensionoffice for a sample timber sale contract.The forestry extension office should alsobe able to provide information on tax issuesrelated to timber sales. See the back coverfor contact information.

Some states have logger certification programs.Many logger associations also have a code ofethics/standards that their members follow.For more information, contact the AmericanLoggers Council at [email protected],call 409-625-0206 or visit their website athttp://www.americanloggers.org.

KNOW HOWTO SELL STUMPAGE


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7KEEP AN EYE ONYOUR LOGGER

The most critical time in the harvest cycle ofyour woodlot is when the logger is activelyremoving products. If you’ve hired a forester,he/she should visit often to make sure thelogger is doing a proper job. It’s yourresponsibility to check on the logger ifyou haven’t hired a forester.

Either way, it calls for constant vigilanceduring the short period when thousands ofdollars worth of wood are being removedeach day from your woodlot. Carelessness,mistakes, or fraudulent acts could rob you ofhundreds of dollars immediately or in futuretimber growth and value.

Modern loggers are mostly skilled, competent,and honest. They would not stay in businesslong if that were not true. They have largeinvestments in equipment, trained operatorsand insurance (request proof of insurancefrom your logger). Logging is a competitivebusiness and high levels of productivity arenecessary to pay expenses and make a profit.It’s sometimes tempting to take short cuts oreasy to become careless.

Visit an active logging site in your woodlot everyday, even if you have hired a consulting forester.Be aware of all elements of the logging contractand make sure none are being violated.

Look for excessive rutting caused by fellingmachines and skidders if working on unfrozenground. If you have soft ground, ask loggersahead of time what will be done to protectit. Soil compaction and damage to roots isunsightly and harmful to trees remaining afterthe harvest. Do not tolerate high levels ofphysical damage to standing trees and brokensaplings and poles. Make sure slash is pulledfree of valuable standing trees.

Do not sign off on a timber sale contract untilall logs and pulpwood have been paid for andremoved from the property and all terms of thecontract are met. That should include landingsand skid trails free of debris and leveled andseeded to erosion controlling grasses. Itshould not be apparent that a logging jobever took place by the second summer.


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DNR Photo by Paul Pingrey



8Farmers are in an enviable position. They canhunt, bird watch, hike, ski, snowmobile, or enjoyother recreational activities in their woodlotswithout leaving home. Other small woodlandowners must travel to enjoy these benefits.Likewise, wildlife habitat and favored outdoorrecreational activities can be enhanced throughnormal woodlot management practices, oftenwithout added cost. Timber stand improvementcuttings, harvests, and plantings can bealtered slightly to increase favorite wildlifespecies and to enhance nature’s scenery aswell as to increase recreational opportunities.

The same trail system providing easy accessfor logging also attracts wildlife. It should beplanted to native grasses and mowed eachyear in August to discourage shrubs and renewthe grasses for fall grazing by deer and otherplant eaters. Fertilizing makes grasses moreattractive to deer. Mowed trails are ideal forwalking on a grouse hunt or traveling with anATV or snowmobile.

Landings, where logs are piled prior to hauling,can be constructed for use as a wildlife foodplot or opening after the logging is completed.You could also plant it to conifers to providecover for a variety of wildlife. In heavyagricultural areas, lack of cover is one ofthe most critical wildlife issues.

Retaining conifers, rather than harvesting them,can provide many wildlife benefits includingthermal cover, cover from winged predators,nesting habitat, etc. Planting conifers alongborders or in small openings can often providethe same type of benefits where residualconifers are lacking.

Think of harvesting and timber standimprovement as ways to improve huntingand wildlife values. Reducing the tree stockinglevel allows more room for improved growthof remaining trees. Oaks respond by producingmore acorns. Deer, turkeys, and squirrels benefit.Other trees increase seed production, too.Songbirds and other wildlife benefit.

Reducing stocking levels lets more sunlightinto the forest. Native shrubs and forest floorplants grow more profusely. The entire foodchain from insects, birds, small mammals,foxes and predatory birds all increase inrichness and diversity.

Build a few brush piles after logging near trailsand woodland edges and you may be rewardedwith a rabbit for dinner. Other small mammalsand birds use brush piles to escape predators.Allow cull logs and slash to remain on the forestfloor and recycle by natural decay. They willbecome homes for unique insects and reptiles.The biologically-rich woodlot does not look likea park. It’s a diverse place full of niches thatprovide food and shelter in great abundance.

Locate individual white oaks, black walnuts,black cherries, and hickories known to producefrequent crops of nuts and fruits and spreada balanced fertilizer beneath their crownsperiodically to enhance nut production. Scattera little in your favorite blackberry thicket andyou will reap the rewards along with the birds.

Leaving trees with existing dens or cavitieswhen harvesting timber will help to maintainthe habitat of certain species. Also, largetrees that are unmerchantable because ofrot or other defects have the potential to causesignificant damage to other high quality treeswhen felled, so leaving them can help yourealize multiple benefits.

Constructing artificial nesting boxes for birdsand mammals is a matter of individual choice.They will increase nesting bird populations insome instances. However, they are not partof the natural scene, and if you find themunattractive, you can provide increasednesting opportunities for birds throughcuttings, plantings, or other natural meansbased on knowledge of the requirementsof individual species.

Woodland borders are natural attractants towildlife. They contain a great variety of foodand shelter. Leaving den trees and dead snagsuncut enhances their value. Planting foodpatches in nearby cropland is a bonus formany wildlife species.

The farm woodlot can provide enjoyment forthe entire family in all seasons whether usedfor quiet hikes, hunting, or motorized sports.Recreational use is a bonus in the well-managedand productive woodlot. Contact you stateforestry extension office for more information,including specific publications regarding forestmanagement guidelines. See the back coverfor contact information.

MAKE A PLACE FOR WILDLIFE,RECREATION, AND NATURAL BEAUTY


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9KNOW WHEN AND WHERETO PLANT TREES


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Planting a tree is the act of an optimist.It represents faith in the future and a hopefor generations yet unborn. It also representsa commitment to the land. It bodes well forrural America that millions of trees are plantedeach year.

Yet, planting trees to regenerate a forestrepresents a last ditch effort. It’s better topractice forestry that naturally grows newtrees. It’s also less expensive. Existingwoodlots will provide all the new treesneeded if properly managed.

There are circumstances where planting newtrees is necessary to establish or regenerate aforest. Past grazing practices usually destroyan existing forest. Forest herbs, shrubs, andyoung trees are quickly destroyed by grazing.Soil compaction and damage to roots by cattlehoofs eventually kill large trees. Grasses andthorny shrubs are often the only eventualsurvivors. Planting new trees is an effectivemeans of restoring a grazed out woodlot.Disking and exposing the mineral soil willloosen the soil and provide a seed bed forneighboring trees to reseed the area. Anotheroption would be to obtain seed and directseed this area after disking.

Other candidates for tree planting on the farmare odd areas, old lanes, abandoned fields andstream corridors. Planting along streams hasmultiple benefits – it creates cover for wildlifeforming a natural movement corridor along thestream bank; it provides shade to keep streamtemperatures low; it stabilizes the stream bankto reduce erosion; and it provides a sourceof woody debris to fall into streams, whichwill provide both a food source and coverfor many aquatic dwellers. Sometimes it’snecessary to replant trees on areas destroyedby fire or to convert an area to a different treespecies. Each site has distinct soil and watercharacteristics that dictate what trees to plant.

Consult a soil survey for your county todetermine which species of trees to plant.In most counties, copies may be availablefrom your Soil and Water ConservationDistrict (SWCD) or from the NaturalResources Conservation Service Office.

The soil survey will list the tree species thatgrow best on the soils on your farm. Plantingtrees on the wrong soil type is a mistake thatcould last for a hundred years.

Consult a private lands agency forester (Stateor SWCD), consulting forester, or industrialforester for help with species selection,information on ordering nursery grown plantingstock, and possible cost-sharing programsto offset planting and site preparation costs.There is no charge for these services. Do thisbeginning in the fall before spring plantingseason. The best selection of trees is in earlyOctober when order forms are made available.

Tree planting often fails due to poor planning.Be ready to plant when your trees arrive. Besure the site is properly prepared and plantingstock is kept cool and moist. Do not put theseedlings in a bucket of water. The waterwill cause the tiny root hairs to swell and die.It’s better to sprinkle some water on them andkeep them covered and out of the sun. Driedroots spell poor survival. The cost of plantingtrees often exceeds $200 an acre. The quickerthe job is completed the better will be yourresults. Contract tree planters are also availableto do all of this for you if you do not have thetime or equipment to do it yourself.

Also, be prepared to follow up with weedcontrol, fire protection, and insect and diseasedamage control in the first years of your newplanting. High deer numbers can cause highlosses in new tree plantings. Nursery stockthat has been fertilized is highly nutritious andsought out by deer. The best way to protectyour trees against deer damage is control deerthrough hunting. Take your share of venisoneach fall and allow others to hunt to protectyour woodlot investment.

Tree planting is a long-term investmentthat pays off in personal satisfaction, familyenjoyment and monetary profits. Look for aguide to planting and maintaining trees toestablish a forest in your specific state bycontacting your state forestry extensionoffice for more information and for anyspecific publications or guidelines thatmay be available. See the back cover forcontact information.

10Like the individual farm, the woodlot doesnot exist in isolation. It’s part of the naturalcommunity and part of the farming community.There are advantages in all members workingtogether for mutual benefit.

A special advantage of working togetherinvolves the fight against invasive plants.Invasive buckthorn can choke out a woodsand prevent new trees from getting established.Invasive plants are not stopped by fence lines.Your efforts to control them are rewarded ifyour neighbor is controlling his.

Because most farm woodlots are small, thereare advantages to combining efforts withothers in the neighborhood when contractingfor forestry services or offering stumpage forsale. This economy of scale can result in lowercosts for professional services and higherreturns for products sold. Foresters and loggingcontractors may find this arrangement attractive.

Discuss woodlot management with neighboringfarmers. Find out who has hired a consulting

forester and interest him or her in talkingwith other neighbors about managing theirwoodlands and combining their acreages fora group harvest. Where this has been done,everyone involved has benefited with bettermanagement and higher prices for stumpage.In some cases woodlots too small to otherwiseinterest loggers have provided timber income.

There may be state or local woodland ownerorganizations in your state that you mightconsider contacting or joining. You canget information on these organizationsfrom WoodWorks (www.woodworks.coop,202-383-5474) or the National WoodlandOwners Association ([email protected],www.woodlandowners.org, 800-476-8733).

There are also local forestry cooperativesand farm supply cooperatives interested inworking with farmers and other local woodlandowners. Contact E.G. Nadeau at CooperativeDevelopment Services (CDS) for informationon co-ops serving your area (608-258-4393 [email protected]).

GAIN FROM INVOLVEMENT WITHOTHER WOODLAND OWNERS


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WoodWorksc/o NCBA1401 New York Avenue, N.W., Suite 1100Washington, DC 20005Phone: 202-383-5474www.woodworks.coop

WoodWorks is a sustainable forestryinitiative whose mission is to transformAmerica’s private forestland and marginalfarmland into sustainable, productiveresources by promoting and assistingcooperative action among farmers andother rural landowners.

Cooperative Development Services131 West Wilson Street, Suite 400Madison, WI 53703Phone: 608-258-4396www.cdsus.coop

Cooperative Development Services (CDS)is a nonprofit organization founded in 1985.CDS has been promoting and assistingsustainable forestry management by privatelandowners since 1998.

To order copies of this publication, pleasecontact WoodWorks. It’s also availableonline at www.woodworks.coop.

PUBLISHED BY

ABOUT THE AUTHORDick Hall is an award winning outdoor writer and retired teacher who practices forestryon 160 acres near Poynette, Wisconsin called The Buckridge. He developed a new forestinventory software called Wisconsin TIGER (Timber, Inventory, Growth and EconomicReview). He has also written a book titled, The Buckridge Chronicles: Sketches from OakRidges and Glacial Valleys. For more information, visit www.wistiger.com.

202-383-5474www.woodworks.coop

Cover Photo © by Jeff Martin,JMAR Foto-Werks, www.jmarfoto.com

Graphic design provided byJackie Bowe, JLB Design, LLC, 608-244-2512

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSWhile several people made valuable

contributions to this publication,Cooperative Development

Services (CDS), WoodWorks andDick Hall take full responsibility

for any errors or omissions.

We would like to thank the followingpeople for reviewing this publication:

• Paul Bader, Kickapoo Woods Cooperative• Joe Dudick, Keystone Development Center• Gerry Mich, Wisconsin Family Forests• Donald Peterson, Renewable Resource

Solutions, LLC• Paul Pingrey, Wisconsin Department of

Natural Resources• Nicole Potvin, Wisconsin Department of

Natural Resources

This publication is part of theForestry for Farmers Project. The project

is supported by:

• Cooperative Development Foundation• Cooperative Foundation• Farm Credit System Foundation• National Farmers Union• University of Wisconsin Center for

Cooperatives• Wisconsin Department of Natural

Resources

CONTACT LISTSTATE or.....................................................STATE...........................FORESTRYREGION ...............................................FORESTER ......................EXTENSION*

National..........................................202-624-5415.......................202-401-5971Alabama .........................................334-240-9304.......................334-844-1044Alaska.............................................907-269-8474.......................907-474-6356Arizona............................................602-255-4059............................................*Arkansas ........................................501-296-1940............................................*California........................................916-653-7772.......................530-621-5509Colorado .........................................970-491-6303.......................970-491-6303Connecticut....................................860-424-3630............................................*Delaware........................................302-698-4548.......................302-730-4000District of Columbia .....................202-671-5133............................................*Florida.............................................850-488-4274.......................850-599-3729Georgia ...........................................478-751-3480.......................706-542-7813Hawaii ............................................808-587-4182............................................*Idaho ...............................................208-334-0242.......................208-885-6356Illinois.............................................217-935-6860............................................*Indiana............................................317-232-4116.......................765-494-3580Iowa ................................................515-281-8657............................................*Kansas ............................................785-532-3300............................................*Kentucky.........................................502-564-4496.......................859-257-5994Louisiana........................................225-952-8002............................................*Maine..............................................207-287-2791............................................*Maryland ........................................410-260-8501.......................301-432-2735Massachusetts..............................617-626-1250............................................*Michigan ........................................517-373-1056.......................517-432-2293Minnesota ......................................651-296-4495............................................*Mississippi ....................................601-359-1386............................................*Missouri ......................573-522-4115 (Ext. 3300).......................573-882-4444Montana .........................................406-542-4300............................................*Nebraska........................................402-472-2944.......................402-472-6511Nevada............................................775-684-2512............................................*New Hampshire ............................603-271-2214.......................603-862-2619New Jersey ...................................609-292-2520 .......732-932-8993 (Ext. 10)New Mexico..................................505-476-3328............................................*New York........................................518-402-9405.......................607-255-4696North Carolina .............919-733-2162 (Ext. 202)............................................*North Dakota .................................701-228-5422............................................*Ohio .................................................614-265-6690.......................614-688-3136Oklahoma .......................................405-521-3864.......................405-744-5442Oregon ............................................503-945-7211............................................*Pennsylvania .................................717-787-2703.......................814-863-0401Rhode Island..................................401-647-3367............................................*South Carolina ..............................803-896-8800.......................864-656-3302South Dakota .................................605-773-3623............................................*Tennessee ......................................615-837-5411.......................865-974-7346Texas...............................................979-458-6606............................................*Utah .................................................801-538-5530.......................435-797-4056Vermont...........................................802-241-3678............................................*Virgin Islands ................................340-778-0991.......................340-693-1083Virginia ...........................................434-977-6555.......................804-524-5962Washington....................................360-902-1603............................................*West Virginia.................................304-558-3446............................................*Wisconsin ......................................608-264-9224.......................608-262-0134Wyoming ........................................307-777-7586............................................*

* Please contact Eric Norland at USDA for forestry extension phonenumbers in these states. Call 202-401-5971.

10 tips for woodlot profits and enjoyment · as being part of the growing cycle, and they often...

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