Green Horizons

COLE COUNTY, MO.
38 acres
378 mixed hardwoods

Doyle tree scale
used, 52,000 bd.ft.

• 27,000 bd. ft. white oak,
  including 3,500 bd. ft. with
  potential stave quality
• 15,400 bd. ft. red/black oak
• 2,700 bd. ft. black walnut
• 6,900 bd. ft. other mixed hardwood species

Forester valued sale: $13,500
4 bids: $8,000 - over $22,000

Bid of $16,000 taken
Return: $421/acre

The landowner had very specific goals and wishes regarding the protection of his land. Prior to the bid opening, the forester met with three of the bidders explaining the landowner's goals and wishes. He showed the bidders proposed entrances to the property, access roads and log landing areas. The fourth bidder was located several hours away and did not view the timber before submitting his bid.

Of course, the high bid was from the logger who did not view the timber. After several weeks and a few phone calls to the high bidder, he still had not made an appointment to handle the contract and eventually backed out on his bid.

Fortunately, the second highest bidder who had bid $16,000, was located much closer (within 30 miles), had a very good reputation and was someone the consulting forester had worked with in the past. The forester arranged for the two parties to meet. Afterwards the landowner seemed very comfortable with this buyer, they signed the contract, and the landowner received payment for his trees a couple weeks ago. The harvest is slated to begin later this summer.

The Take-home Message
A professional forester is your advocate in harvesting your trees. He or she will work with you to ensure your land management goals and objectives are met. They take the hassle out of selling your timber by working with prospective buyers and advising you when the highest bid isn't all that it's cracked up to be!