Forestry Consultation
Sometimes landowners just need someone to talk to about their forest. General consulting covers a broad category
of services from reviewing a pre-existing forest management plan, to providing expert advice on timber management,
to walking with a landowner through the woods and discussing the forest ecology and stewardship options.
Forest Assessment
A forest assessment provides a summary report of a property’s forests. Field data collected for the assessment provides information on species composition, age class, diameter distribution, growth rates, forest structure, forest health, and wildlife habitat for each stand type on the property. The written assessment includes photographs, a detailed description, and potential management options for each forest stand type. The assessment also includes summary data for the entire property detailing major concerns, highlights, and opportunities.
Forest Stewardship Planning
Forest stewardship planning includes a forest assessment, as described above, but incorporates specific landowner objectives with the assessment to define stewardship goals and actions. The plan usually covers a 5 to 10-year time frame. Properties whose stewardship plans include commercial timber management as an objective can also qualify for significant property tax savings through North Carolina’s Present Use Valuation program.
Forest Inventory and Appraisal
A forest inventory provides a report of typical numerical forestry values (boardfeet, basal area, and trees per acre) by species for different forest stands. The measured components, intensity, and scope of the inventory are variable depending on the landowner’s needs. A timber appraisal provides the total value of the timber on a given piece of property. This estimate is arrived at through a thorough forest inventory and the use of up to date timber prices. Knowing the full value of timber on a property can assist a landowner in stewardship planning and/or financial planning.
Forest Carbon Evaluation
Forests are important for sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide, providing a valuable ecosystem service for society and ameliorating climate change. EcoForesters can calculate carbon storage and annual sequestration for your forestland. We also advise clients on current carbon markets and where there are opportunities to profit from your stewardship.
Timber Management
Sustainable timber harvesting can provide income while helping landowners achieve their long-term stewardship goals. Thoughtfully planned harvests can improve forest health, increase plant diversity, enhance wildlife habitat, and promote a more resilient forest. EcoForesters represents the landowner throughout the timber sale process by marking harvest trees, developing a harvest plan, and maximizing timber value.