Let’s face it, Land is a great investment. But, what are your goals?

Do you only want a good return for your investment or would you like to use your land for recreation? Either way, you should consider having a management plan. It seems like each month I wind up writing about management, so I thought this month I would start with some basic thoughts. Get a forester. Consulting foresters provide a wide range of services to private landowners to help gain the maximum benefit for their land. Among their services are timber sales marketing, forest stand improvement, identifying and marking boundaries, wildlife management, chemical and insect control, tree planting, timber appraisals, and tax advice. With my personal properties, I am always wondering when to thin, when to plant, should I chemical release? I have been presented with the dilemma of not knowing what to do with a tract of land that was not re-planted and will not grow timber to its greatest productivity. It may be that you have a 50% interest in hunting and 50% interest in investment and you should grow your timber to complete both goals.

Consultant fees can vary. They can be based on a percentage of harvest, commission, job rate, hourly rate, retainer, or a combination of these. The added yield to your crop will more than pay for their services.  Additionally, their fees should be tax deductable as an expense.