As forest landowners you have to make decisions about your forest.   I often observe landowners making poor decisions because of a lack of good information concerning their forestland. Many of these decisions have long lasting effects on their forest and on their pocketbooks. 

What do you base your decisions on? As a professional forester, I suggest you start with an inventory of your forest. For foresters a forest inventory is the same as a physical for doctors. An inventory allows us to assess the current condition of the forest and gather baseline information so we can monitor change. The basic information gathered should include forest types found on the property, timber volumes, tree quality and health, tree age and size, tree growth rates, and site quality. The inventory could involve gathering a wide range of additional data depending on your objectives.

Once the inventory is completed an appraisal can be done to provide you with timber values. Some forestry terms and concepts are difficult to understand, but I find everyone understands dollars. 

Now you have good information about your forest and will be able to make informed decisions. Questions such as: Should I sell timber now or wait ten years? Should I invest in crop tree management or leave that hardwood stand to grow? As with most things in life there usually no one right way to manage the forest. If you like a complete forest management plan can be developed from this information. 

If you would like more information about a forest inventory please call 336-838-5766 or e-mail Forestry@caseyandcompany.com.