Finding the right Consulting Forester for your woodland.
Private, Consulting Foresters can provide you with a broad range of services including:
- Developing Woodland Management Plans
- Mapping your land and trees
- Appraising your land's timber value
- Prescribing treatments to enhance forest growth or health
- Regenerating growth through planting selected species
- Planning and managing forest harvest operations
- Advising you about legal aspects of owning woodlands, taxation issues, estate planning and various state of Maine programs for woodland owners like you
In Maine, a Forester must be licensed by the state. A Forester you hire is legally bound to represent your interests. Typically, a Forester has a college or university degree in Forestry, and may also have advanced degrees in Forestry or related fields. A Forester has knowledge and experience in the art and science of forestry, often gained from years of practical experience.
Foresters know how forests grow and 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, or
- 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 any 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 Foresters 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 timber sale value, or by some other method you agree to. You should enter into any agreement with a Consulting Forester by written contract.
If you think your woodland would benefit from a harvest, but aren't sure, one 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 any recommended 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.
Download a list for a specific area in Maine. Or,
call your Maine Forest Service toll free at (800) 367-0233 (in state only) or (207) 287-2791. We'll answer your questions promptly and thoughtfully.
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