Foresters know how forests grow, develop, how natural processes and conditions influence forest growth and health, and how specific, carefully planned actions can enhance benefits you may care about, such as:
• Encouraging wildlife populations
• Increasing timber value
• Protecting water resources
• Improving recreational opportunities
• Enhancing privacy
• Balancing all or some of these forestry goals
Tips for Hiring a Consulting Forester
You should take the same care in hiring a Consulting Forester as you would in hiring a professional. Interview several, check references, and if possible, meet prospective foresters on the woodlands where you need advice, planning or supervision. Listen carefully as the forester assesses the condition of your woods, asks about your goals as a woodland owner, suggests projects like planting, pruning, trail building or harvesting, and identifies interesting features or telltale signs of stress, disease or pest infestations.
Ask the Consulting Forester to provide understandable descriptions of their services and charges so you can compare your choices. Foresters charge in a variety of ways, by the hour, a percentage of the timber sale value, or by some other method you agree to. You should enter in to an agreement with a Consulting Forester by written contract.
If you think your woodland would benefit from a harvest, but aren't sure, once of the best ways of finding out is hiring a Consulting Forester to prepare a Woodland Management Plan. You will want to select a forester who will not only write the plan, but can also help implement an recommendation actions, such as timber harvesting.
Above all, trust your instincts. Only you know whether you feel comfortable with a particular forester's personality, professional style, and recommended approaches to bringing your dreams for your woodlands alive.
The Maine Forest Service maintains a list of licensed Consulting Foresters working in Maine. You can visit them online or reach them toll-free at 1-800-367-0233.
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