Services We Provide

Timber Sale Management:

In the worst case scenario, most people have seen the result of a poor logging job.  Broken trees, deep ruts, muddy streams.  In many cases, the landowner cannot be certain that they have gotten paid for what was actually taken.  In spite of most timber buyers and loggers being honest individuals striving to be equitable, they are in business to realize a profit.  If you have no idea of what volume of timber is being harvested or have no knowledge of timber markets, a buyer without competition is not likely to offer top price.  In addition, while many loggers are experts in the field of logging, they usually do not have the training to prescribe cutting treatments that meet landowner objectives and the silvicultural requirements of the forest.  In many cases the logging results in a diameter limit cut or high grading which leaves low quality trees as the next crop.  Kort Forestry can make certain that you obtain the highest possible price or your timber while providing proper forest management for the future of your forest.  Yes, you do pay a commission after the sale but experience has shown that the landowner's net "after fee" income exceeds that of a direct sale to a logger while leaving a healthy, rejuvenated high value forest.

Case Study:

A recent client received an unsolicited offer of $25,000.00 for the timber on his land from a timber buyer.  This was an honest buyer and was the best price this buyer could offer based on his markets, operating costs and distance to his sawmill.  Before accepting the offer, the landowner secured our services.  Through the marking, appraisal and bidding procedure we offer, the sale price, through competitive bidding, reached a total of $65,000.00.  In addition to earning our client more for his timber, we administered the timber sale and supervised the logging project to protect his forest.  Less timber was actually cut.  Our Client "netted" more income on the sale after paying our commission and had proper forest management applied to his woodland protecting his investment for the future.

Our timber sale management service includes:

1. Initial forest exam and consultation with the landowner - no charge.

2. Written cutting prescription and silvicultural recommendations - no charge.

3. Selection, measuring and marking of trees to be harvested.

4. Determination of marked tree species and board foot volumes by diameter classes.

5. Fair market value of the marked trees based on timber type, terrain, etc.

6. Preparation and submission of a timber sale prospectus to potential bidders.

7. Conduct a formal showing of the timber sale area with potential bidders and a review of all harvesting requirements.

8. Solicitation of sealed, competitive bids from our extensive statewide buyers list.

9. Preparation of timber sale contracts including purchaser performance bond, insurance, erosion control plan, etc.

10. Conduct the timber settlement with owner paid in full prior to any timbering.

11. Logging site inspections to insure contract compliance during timbering.

12. Final inspection upon completion of timbering to insure proper site retirement.

This 12 point plan not only insures that you are getting the best price for your timber but doing what is best for your woodland within you own personal objectives for your property.  We manage your woodlot under sustained-yield and multiple use principles.  That is, we maximize your immediate financial income while insuring a healthy, high value forest for the future with the attendant benefits of wildlife habitat, recreation and aesthetics within the framework of the timbering project.

Timber Trespass or Tree Damage Evaluation:

Were your trees taken without your permission or were your trees damaged by fire or wind?  We can assess and evaluate each stump or tree for species, size and timber value for all the trees that were removed from your property or damaged.  In some cases, your trees may be valued as ornamentals or shade tress and eligible for replacement value.

Forest Management Plans/Forest Stewardship Plans:

A forest management plan can provide you with a plan to insure that you get the best from your forest, both now and in the future, not only for timber production but for wildlife habitat and recreation.  We can "map out" those areas of your woodland best suited for different uses and make recommendations for each.  Cost sharing funds for Forest Stewardship Plans are generally available through the state Bureau of Forestry.

Wildlife Management:

We can gear your forest management or timber harvesting to fully benefit and increase your woodland's wildlife holding capacity, whether for deer, grouse, or turkey.

Timber Stand Improvement:

Most woodlands consisting of young, pre-commercial sized trees can benefit from a thinning program to reduce the number of stems per acre.  Kort Forestry can perform the actual selection and mechanical felling of the trees.  This will re-distribute the growth potential to the highest quality trees increasing their rate of growth and quality.  An added benefit is to wildlife through immediate available browse from the felled trees to increased mast production and herbaceous growth for food and cover.  Many hunting clubs have taken advantage of cost-share funds available through state programs.

Forest Investment Advice:

Are you considering a purchase of woodland?  We can provide you with an assessment of the present timber value and future timber potential.

Timber Evaluations:

If you are interested in knowing how much timber is on a woodland and it's present value, we can cruise the tract to assess  timber volume, species type and its present fair market value.

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