Log price increase

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Over the last six months, log prices have increased, particularly on red oak.  Many landowners have waited out the recession in hopes that prices would come back.  Higher log prices and strong demand for firewood and chips during this period of high oil prices mean that now is a great time to revisit your stumpage estimates on forestry projects.  Contact us for more info at 508.963.2070 or tjepsonandson@gmail.com

Here is the most recent stumpage survey posted at UMass Extension’s website (thanks Paul Catanzaro and Dave Kittredge).

 

 

Invasive Species

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Invasive species are a huge problem throughout the US.  Here in Massachusetts, we are dealing with infestations of plants, animals, and diseases, but as land managers, it’s the plants that we find a nuisance.  Japanese barberry, oriental bittersweet, multiflora rose, and burning bush (to name a few) have heavily infested some forested properties.  Often, these species are spread quickly by birds take advantage of any available growing space in the understory.  These species prevent the desirable development of native forest species, including valuable timber species.

What can we do?  The first step in controlling invasive species is to identify them and devise a plan of action.  Actions should include removal by hand tools and/or herbicide treatment.  For extensive infestations, professional assistance may be necessary.

The following is a link for information in detecting and identifying invasive species in MA:

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/land-protection-and-management/invasive-species/invasive-plants.html

The following is a link for financial assistance through Natural Resource Conservation Service:

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/eqip/

For additional info contact us at 508.963.2070.

 

Planning for the next ten years

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Chapter 61 recertifications are due in June.  That means Forest Management Plans for the next ten years need to be developed in the coming months for owners looking for current-use tax assessment.  Now is the time to consider harvesting options and the future of your land.  Many landowners, in the next ten years, will sell property, have timber harvested, create wildlife habitat, or look to build on their own property.  These factors should all be considered in developing plans for the next ten years.

Another consideration to make for those of us living in Massachusetts are the current and coming quarantines on the movement of certain species.  Around the Worcester area, many species are affected due to the Asian long-horned beetle quarantine.  In Berkshire County, a quarantine has recently been established to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer; this quarantine may expand depending on future borer finds.

Making decisions for harvesting in the coming years should be planned now while markets are moving and quarantines are limited.

More information on Chapter 61 values:   http://masswoods.net/landowner-programs/calculator

More information on quarantines: http://massnrc.org/pests/index.htm

 

Massachusetts Forest Alliance

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The newly formed Massachusetts Forest Alliance has just posted its new website.  The organization has absorbed the Massachusetts Forest Landowners Association, Massachusetts Wood Producers Association and the Massachusetts Association of Professional Foresters.  The Alliance will provide a unified voice for these groups in strong support of a sustainable forest economy.

The last five years have been a troubling time in Massachusetts in regards to governmental support for forestry and a unified voice will help us to be heard at the state level.

Find the Massachusetts Forest Alliance at massforestalliance.org.  Landowners, harvesters and foresters should join for a strong voice in support of property rights and sustainable forestry!