Timber Sales
For
many forestland owners harvesting and selling timber may be a once in a lifetime
endeavor. It had better be done right. The process
of harvesting and selling timber may be
perceived as a simple or daunting undertaking by the landowner. For those timberland
owners who view their timber as heritage, W. M. Beaty &
Associates, Inc. (WBA) has put together a program to effectively administer all aspects
of the timber harvesting and selling process. This process
begins with a discussion between the landowner and a WBA
forester regarding goals, expected results, limitations, and an overview of
the process.
In the overview, the steps necessary to prepare an ownership
for a timber sale are outlined. The sale area boundaries
are determined, the timber to be harvested is discussed, natural
and cultural resources are identified and possible mitigations
are evaluated. Harvesting methods will be selected based
on the topography and economic considerations. Road
systems will be evaluated and updated if necessary. This
information is required for the preparation of a Timber
Harvesting Plan (THP) or Nonindustrial Timber Management Plan
(NTMP).
With few exceptions, the
California Forest Practice Rules (FPRs)
require that a THP or NTMP be prepared by a
Registered
Professional Forester (RPF). These plans are then reviewed
by several State agencies before they are approved and
private landowners can harvest their timber in California.
But an approved THP or NTMP is only one step in the process
necessary to carryout a successful, and environmentally friendly
timber harvesting operation.
Other permits
regarding wildlife and water quality protection may also be required
by
State and Federal agencies. Wildlife surveys, consultations, and
mitigations may be necessary for species that are endangered
or otherwise protected by law and a water quality monitoring
plan may need to be developed.
Marketing the timber harvested is another aspect of the sale, usually
requiring bid solicitation, negotiations, and contracts. Sale
administration on behalf of the landowner is crucial to ensure
proper implementation of the plan by contractors and a successful outcome.
Administration also includes strict accountability of harvested
material at all times. And finally, harvested timber is subject
to a yield tax, administered through the
State Board of
Equalization.
If you are considering managing your timberland please contact
us for a consultation and an estimate.