There’s more to the picture
One has to appreciate Indiana loggers, without whom our timber could not reach global, national, regional or local markets, and thus, would have no cash value. Self reliant and physically tough, these are citizens who forsake a time clock. Instead, they pursue an occupation which for many of them is a passion. Consider for a moment factors which these modern-day axe men must face to earn a living: the availability of harvestable timber at a reasonable price, woodland owner’s expectations, weather and soil conditions, fuel and insurance costs, road and bridge weight limits, job site access and terrain limitations, financing, transporting and maintaining large and expensive equipment, the daily performance of inherently dangerous work. The list goes on and on. It’s a wonder that people have the pluck and purpose to become professional loggers. It’s fortunate for all of the rest of us that they do!
The variability and diversity of Indiana’s timberlands keep woods work
fresh and interesting for all involved in their management and
utilization. By no means are timber products the sole benefit derived from
our forests. The continuous production of fresh water from healthy forests
is unsurpassed in quality when compared with all other land uses.
Forestland benefits to society are numerous and commonly recognized.
Still, trees grow jobs here in Indiana. It’s just that simple. The good
news is that cutting trees is good for most woodlands and necessary to
maintain its vigor over time. Many marked timber offerings will include
15 or more different tree species. Past land use history, present tree and
wildlife conditions, soil type, site quality and aspect, ownership goals,
access to and size of the property and other factors, combine to make each
woods unique. If otherwise were true, a “one size fits all” list of forest
management guidelines could be drawn up and there would be no more about
it. Fortunately for we who enjoy our natural world, this is not the case.
Many people in the timber growing, selling and buying business will agree that in most instances those individual trees which are offered for sale should be chosen and well marked with tree marking paint such that each offered tree is clearly visible from all directions, if possible. This is the accepted method of selling standing timber. It allows for all potential timber buyers to bid on the exact same trees. Such tree marking assists in the logging of the sold timber. Marking the trees to be offered for sale is important. After all, how else can the forest be properly cultivated to best suit the owner’s objectives? How else does one know what he or she is selling? Then advertise for sale on the open market, a listing of the number of trees by species and an estimate of their board foot volume, along with specific Terms of Sale, and let the free market system determine the total offering’s fair market value.
Mark the trees such as to allow plenty of working room for the loggers. Each sold tree must have a place or two to fall or the trees kept for future benefits may be severely damaged. Too little room to fell the tree is a common error and can be a dreadful safety mistake. If a woodland owner chooses to mark his or her timber for sale, please take heed of this. Or, hire a consulting forester who knows what is reasonable. A good consulting forester will not cost you money, but instead will make you money.
So, let us take our hats off to the logger, he is a breed apart and an irreplaceable part of Indiana’s forestry future.
Jerry Hudson, Consulting Forester