Forest Management Plans

The first step in a journey toward a well-managed forest is preparation of a forest management plan. The purpose of a plan is to provide an overview of your forest's current condition and to offer recommendations that will help improve the forest according to your ownership objectives. A plan is also an educational tool that provides information about many aspects of forest management and explains how this knowledge relates to your property.

A plan includes several components. Foremost, it identifies your objectives as a forest landowner and describes the current condition of your forestland, based on a field inventory and observations. Recommendations based on your ownership goals and an Action Plan detailing opportunities for future management activities are then presented. Finally, Appendices are included that provide additional information about various aspects of your property and forest management.

IFM prepares a variety of management plans that are tailored to each landowner's situation. Examples of these plans include:

• Tax plans that meet state requirements for reduced property taxes. These plans are usually somewhat brief and inexpensive.
• Forest management plans that meet requirements for Federal cost-share programs. These plans are fairly detailed and provide in-depth information on the property and future recommendations. They are more expensive, but qualify for Federal funding that usually covers most of the cost. These plans also meet the requirements for tax plans.

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Assistance

As a qualified Technical Service Provider (TSP) for the NRCS, IFM can help landowners secure Federal money to develop forest plans and accomplish forest improvement activities on their land. Mike Wolcott, IFM, was the first private forester to be a certified NRCS planner west of the Mississippi River.

Timber Harvest

At no other time is there more "at stake" for your forest than when a logging operation is contemplated. Consequentially, there is no better time to secure our assistance.

A few of our harvest-related services:

• Owner consultation and forest examination
• Determine harvest prescription (we provide suggestions, but remember it's your forest)
• Identify cutting boundaries
• Designate harvest trees with paint
• Prepare the harvest contract
• Secure bids from reputable loggers
• Market logs to maximize revenue
• Conduct frequent harvesting inspections to ensure contract compliance (low-stumps, leave-tree protection, slash cleanup, etc.)
• Insure all payments are properly received and accounted for

Forest Estate Planning

The services of a consulting forester can be invaluable during the estate planning process or when addressing estate issues. In conjunction with other professionals, such as an attorney and accountant, we work to craft the best estate plan for your situation, or to assist with the forest valuation process that is required to settle an estate.

Other Services Include:

• practical forest management plans tailored to the landowner's objectives
• tax plans
• absentee landowner representation
• insect and disease detection and treatment
• timber cruising and appraisals
• timber trespass
• wildlife habitat enhancement
• forest homesite development
• forest stand improvement (thinning)
• reforestation
• tax consultation
• forest mapping
• plus other forestry related assistance

Fees:

IFM charges fees based upon the service provided. For management plans, timber appraisals, and cruises, we generally charge a fixed fee. Timber sale charges are usually based on a fee per volume removed or a percentage of net revenue. Regarding timber sales, it is our objective to cover our fee through log marketing and securing a fair logging price. Other services are billed by the hour or day.