Lumber/forester question

[Chrismahosky77]

Hi All,
I am in the process of buying some land in the Indian lake area and was wondering if it’s feasible to log part of it. Is only a 14 acre lot so not real big. I have to clear an area for cabin/house and was hoping I could sell some timber to help offset some of the cost. Has anyone here had any dealings like that?

[montcalm]

I haven't done this personally, but yeah it can be done.

The question would be if you have any valuable trees. I don't know if you'll get much of anything if it's cleared for pulpwood.

I know when I was a kid we had large white pines harvested on our land and they were quite valuable. They probably would have been better off sitting where they were, but they seeded a few nearby fields so they'll return.

Anyway, lots of lands in the ADKs have been previously cut not so long ago, so they tend to be twiggy. If you have some big white pines they can be valuable, but they live a long time, so they can be just as valuable growing if you don't need to remove them.

[DSettahr]

This is a good question for a consulting forester- ideally someone who deals in small woodlot management. Montcalm is correct in that the quality of the timber is going to make a substantial difference, and only once a consulting forester has had a chance to visit your property will you have any idea how feasible this is.

The short answer is that you probably can get some money for the value of the timber but it's also probably going to be a lot less than you might hope for- even best case scenario.

If you're trying to be at all conscientious about it, what you want to avoid is what is called a "high grade," where only the best quality timber is harvested. To the untrained eye, this often looks "environmentally friendly," as only a few trees are harvested- but the long term consequences for the health and quality of the trees on your property can be significant.

[montcalm]

Yeah I should mention the "valuable" white pines I mentioned were valuable because they were easy to get, and they were very large without many deformities.

If you have 14 acres of 150 year old pines that no weevils got to, you'll likely make some money. If you have 14 acres of Beech whips, then likely not.

Even if it's not valuable to a logger for boards, it may be valuable to a local firewood supplier, and even if you don't get any money out of it, you might be able to get your site cleared for free.

Best bet is ask some locals.

I should also mention the obvious reality of real estate: a lot of sellers who subdivide larger properties will have the whole area logged before they do so.

[Buckladd]

I logged my property in 2019. I have about 24 acres but because of wetlands and the clearing where my home is, only about 13 were cut. I am very happy with the results. I went with Finch Paper (http://www.finchpaper.com/forest-management-services) who took 15% of the cut for the forestry fees. They were great, and so was the logger who was from North Creek. They did exactly what I asked them to do. Because Finch sold all their lands, they seek landowners of lots big and small, and long-term relations. I think it's worth an inquiry, but in the end it will come down to the value of the trees on your property. What they are, their age and condition.

[chairrock]

https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/4972.html

[MTVhike]

In 2013, I bought my 85 acres near Elizabethtown and had my house built by 2015; the property had been previously selectively logged, with only the hardwoods cut, so there are a lot of white and red pines. But, the property is very hilly and getting the pines out would be difficult and damaging to the landscape, and I have not considered logging at all.

[montcalm]

In 2013, I bought my 85 acres near Elizabethtown and had my house built by 2015; the property had been previously selectively logged, with only the hardwoods cut, so there are a lot of white and red pines. But, the property is very hilly and getting the pines out would be difficult and damaging to the landscape, and I have not considered logging at all.

This is a great example of all the things I was trying to put out there.

Those pines will bring something to the next owners that will exceed their monetary value currently.

[sleepy]

Had some tree work done in Indian Lake by Kevin Elkin, Elkin tree Service over the years and always was satisfied. I do not think he does logging but a very dependable guy and I would think he would be able to give you some contacts if he can't help

[JimVroman]

If you're not interested in making a lot of money, try to find horse logger.
Little environmental damage and an interesting operation to watch.

[BobF]

You're right Jim. Years ago a friend had a team of Belgiums. Every February (25 yrs.) we would cut than drag the trees to a location to split (by a fire and a glass of cider) on his property/farm out side of Clarence. We dropped around 12-15 white and red oak, an occasional elm and ash. They never tired out - loved the work. He heated his home with the wood. The Belgium's pulled his McCormick M out of the swamp/junk a couple of times as well as trailer loads of wood thru the field and snow. It was fun.

[montcalm]

Beyond that horse skidding can get you in more difficult locations, doesn’t compact the soil or upset roots of neighboring trees, doesn’t have need for clearing as many trees to get to targeted trees and doesn’t create drainage issues.

[St.Regis]

Schultzz is a member here. He might be able to help or point you in the right direction. Good luck

[Chrismahosky77]

Thank you everyone for the replies, very helpful. Not really looking to make any money, was just hoping could offset cost of land clearing since I’ll have to do that anyway.

[montcalm]

It was in a link posted in this thread, and I wasn't aware of this until I read it but I'd highly recommend having the DEC come and do an assessment of your land. Apparently this is part of a free forest stewardship program and the least that is going to happen is you are going to know what you have, and what could potentially be issues or what you should potentially conserve.

Here's a map with the who to contact based on your area: