The key thing to understand about a consulting forester is that a consulting forester does not work for a sawmill and does not purchase timber from landowners. A consulting forester should work only for the landowner and should be paid a commission of the sale. If a person calls themselves a consulting forester but offers to buy your timber, then it could lead to a conflict of interest and divided loyalties.  Some reminders for Illinois forest landowners:

   If landowners want to sell timber, they should contact a professional consulting forester to advise them.  Consulting foresters are available to appraise the marketability of, and the market value of timber holdings.  Consulting foresters can also represent the landowner as an agent. 

 

   Forest landowners should always:

* Familiarize yourself with your forest and timber;
* Consider all unsolicited offers for their timber to be suspect;
* Appraise your timber’s worth or compare any offer or deal with others like it;
* Use a written contract that spells out all financial and other details and timing of the harvesting of trees; 
* Receive payment in full before any cutting operations begin;
* Discuss and document vehicle and equipment access, operation areas and cleanup in the contract.

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   At Gibbons Forestry, Inc. we only represent landowners and we do not attempt to purchase any timber. We strive to help the landowner meet their goals, but also maximize their income through the competitive bidding process with over 50 sawmills and timber buyers. When we provide timber appraisal estimates, they are based on what we believe the timber is worth from our professional knowledge of the various markets. 

    We also have a variety of forestry services that will help get your woodland setup in a timber management program which will benefit landowners as well as future generations to come.  Give us a call at (618) 201-6905.