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Step 3: Setting Up the Harvest

MFL and FCL Harvesting

Approximate time to complete step #3: Six to 12 months.

The third step of the harvesting process is setting up the harvest, which involves in part marking property boundaries, harvest area boundaries and individual trees to be cut or left on-site.

Marking property boundaries, harvest area boundaries and individual trees to be cut or left on-site helps to ensure that only those trees that are supposed to be cut are cut during the harvest. Marking is most often done by placing a mark of paint of a certain color on trees. Sometimes, trees will not be marked but designated for harvest by other methods.

The way in which the trees are marked or designated must consider the information obtained when the harvest area was assessed during step #2, including the incorporation of best management practices (BMPs) for water quality and invasive species and the mitigation of impacts to threatened and endangered species as well as cultural resources.

The way in which the trees are marked or designated must be consistent with the landowner’s management plan and sound forestry practices. Forest conditions can and do change over time, and it is important that the person marking the trees assesses the current forest conditions and makes adjustments as necessary, consulting with the Tax Law Forestry Specialist along the way.

After the trees are marked, the landowner, working with their forestry professional, must sell the timber to ensure it is harvested. The forestry professional will estimate the volume and value of the trees to be harvested. Sale of standing timber typically occurs either through bidding or direct sale to a buyer or logger. Bids can differ significantly because different bidders have different markets and needs for wood. In selecting the winning bid, the operator's skill and professionalism are as important as the dollar amount. Learn more!

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