Timber Cutting Questions

[E. Taylor]

Got about 45 acres of old growth long needle and oaks that need to be cut. I had Forestry look at it and they say its done growing. Needs to be cut before beatles get in it. Land has been passed down through my family and my dad said the last time it was cut was prior to WW II.

Forestry has provided me everything I need to bid it out. But I figure a good forester could help me get the best price and get me in the programs to replant. What is the standard going rate for foresters? I have heard 10% of cut timber value?

Second question. I know I will have to declare the value of the timber as income. How does this work? I don't want to pay any more taxes than I have too. The land was deeded to me 10 years ago. I had one person say I only pay taxes on the increased value of the timber over the past 10 years. Any help or advice is greatly appreated. First time I have cut any timber.

[G3JD, IV]

Do yourself a favor and get an opinion from a forester or timber manager that makes a living on timber and consulting and not one that draws a government salary. I have witnessed on more that one occasion land owners take the advice of government foresters because they believed they weren't in it for the money, which they weren't, and to large extent therein lies the problem.... Just my opinion, and by your post it sounds like you are on the right track.

[Quackhead22]

For the love of God please don't clear cut it!! Old growth long leaf stands are a rarity these days and should be managed with care...

[jlongsc]

Pm Sent

[MorningWoody]

For the love of God please don't clear cut it!! Old growth long leaf stands are a rarity these days and should be managed with care...

I would hope the same but nothing wrong with a little clearing, you might as well make a little change if you can. If the new growth is managed correctly the habitat should be better.

[E. Taylor]

Not cutting all of it, just part of it. I like the big oaks and old timber too. I enjoy sitting on the back porch in my swing and watching the fox squirrels and deer in the back yard. They like the old growth too.

Looking to buy more land though and set up some timber cuttings and pine straw income for my retirement and for my boys future.

For the love of God please don't clear cut it!! Old growth long leaf stands are a rarity these days and should be managed with care...

[turbo]

Not cutting all of it, just part of it. I like the big oaks and old timber too. I enjoy sitting on the back porch in my swing and watching the fox squirrels and deer in the back yard. They like the old growth too.

Looking to buy more land though and set up some timber cuttings and pine straw income for my retirement and for my boys future.

Another reason to call my guy.

[Slaya]

If you plan to purchase additional acreage with the capital gains, there are tax programs that can be advantageous. Reforesting, site prep, etc. can be used in the model as well. A good consulting forester, land agent, and accountant can answer your questions and help you to maximize and retain more of the proceeds, as well as assist in your purchasing decisions for future timber tract investments. Despite what some believe, professionals make a living because that have the expertise and experience to assist their clients in their decision making, and when its done correctly, everyone involved gains something.