Your Woods and…Timber

Massachusetts forests are impressively productive and have the ability to grow a wealth of timber products. In addition, our forests have a great capacity to regenerate themselves providing an opportunity to produce renewable products. They have rebounded impressively after significant clearing for agriculture 150 years ago, and in many cases we have more wood in our forests now than in the past 100 years. This is important, since Americans have a great appetite for wood. Annually, each American consumes the rough equivalent volume of wood found in one tree that is 18 inches in diameter and 100 feet tall. Despite the large amount of forests in Massachusetts, we import 98% of the wood we use.

Harvesting wood in Massachusetts contributes to local economies, and means that wood might not have to be harvested elsewhere in the world where the forests are not as resilient and then transported great distances. In addition, the regulatory safety net in most other places is not as comprehensive as regulations in Massachusetts, to ensure no adverse impacts.

On the other hand, harvesting in Massachusetts is not universally beneficial. Some harvesting can liquidate timber assets prematurely, assuring that no valuable wood will be harvested for decades. In other cases, harvesting can potentially harm sensitive wildlife habitat. Harvests may also meet the legal requirements of the law and still not meet landowner’s objectives.

If woodland owners wish to have timber harvested from their lands, it is recommended that they seek the advice of a licensed forester, who can assess timber volume and value, craft a contract to protect the owner’s interests, and assure that the harvest will operate in compliance with environmental regulations. Knowing all of your options and the likely impacts will help you plan a harvest that meets your particular objectives. For more information see “Selling Timber”.

It pays to do your homework!