Planning Your Timber Harvest

Planning Your Timber Harvest

Define the Purpose of Your Harvest

The first step in planning your timber harvest is to clearly define its purpose. Understanding why you are harvesting will help you set goals that align with your objectives. The purpose of your harvest depends on factors such as the type of land you own, its productivity, and your long-term vision. Are you looking to generate revenue, improve forest health, or manage a sustainable yield over time? Consider these common objectives:

• Rehabilitating Non-Productive Forestland – If your goal is to convert underperforming land into productive forestland, you may need to remove unproductive species such as invasive plants or low-vigor oak trees and replace them with high-yield native trees.

• Generating Income – If your primary goal is financial, first assess the land’s productivity and potential yield. Understanding what your land is capable of producing will help you set realistic revenue expectations and guide decisions on when and how much timber to harvest.

• Sustained Yield Management – If you wish to maintain a continuous cycle of harvesting, you might divide your land into sections. For instance, harvesting two acres per year on a 100-acre property allows for a cycle where the first section is ready for harvest again by the time you complete the rotation.

Align your harvest plan with your long-term investment strategy and consider how your decisions will impact both the short- and long-term value of your land.

Regulatory Compliance and Permits

Before initiating your harvest, it is crucial to understand state and local regulations that may affect your plans. Compliance with these regulations ensures you avoid legal issues and potential delays.

• Notification of Operation (NOAP) – Before harvesting, you must submit a NOAP, which requires details such as the acreage to be harvested and the estimated volume of timber. This information is typically provided using an aerial map where you outline the harvest area.

• Environmental and Wildlife Considerations – After submission, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will inform you of any environmentally sensitive areas that require additional protections, such as streams, osprey nests, or eagle habitats. While you can research restrictions online, consulting an ODF stewardship forester is often the most efficient way to ensure compliance with regulations regarding protected areas, stream buffers, and wildlife habitats.

• Seasonal Restrictions – Some restrictions vary throughout the year, particularly those protecting wildlife during sensitive periods such as nesting or breeding seasons. These may include limitations on machinery use near certain habitats, which can affect the timing of your harvest.

• Permit Waiting Period – Once your NOAP is submitted, there is a mandatory 14-day waiting period before operations can begin. In some cases a State of Oregon Stewardship Forester may waive the 14 day waiting period. 

Selecting an Operator or Managing the Harvest Yourself

Another critical decision is whether to conduct the harvest yourself or hire a professional logging operator.

• Hiring a Logger – If you choose to hire an operator, it is essential to find a reputable and experienced professional. You can locate contract loggers through the ODF website or by consulting a local stewardship forester for recommendations. When selecting an operator:

• Request references and review past projects. Ask the operator if you can visit a recent project site to assess their work firsthand. Observing an active or recently completed harvest can provide insight into their work.

• Obtain multiple bids but avoid selecting solely based on the lowest price. Instead, evaluate each bid based on the operator’s experience, reputation, and the quality of their previous work. The lowest bid may not always provide the best value in the long run.

• Working with a Consultant – A forestry consultant can offer valuable insights into market conditions, helping you time your harvest for maximum financial return while ensuring compliance with ODF regulations. They can give you a competitive edge, helping you plan and time your harvest in a fast-changing market.

Proper planning and professional guidance can streamline your timber harvest, ensuring it meets your financial and land management goals while maintaining environmental responsibility.

Live Wild. Invest Wisely.

Made Out West Land Co.