Call Before You Cut
A Resource Guide to Forest Management
for Woodland Owners
Make Informed Decisions
Harvesting timber can affect your land. for many decades. Use the resources in this brochure to make the wisest decision on how to manage your woodland. Take the first step yourself by walking your woods. Decide on your objectives, then seek experts who can help you meet your goals.Know Your Woods
Good forest management depends on understanding the diversity of trees, understory plants and wildlife in your hardwood forest. Walk your land, and make a record of what's there. What kind of trees do you see? What signs of wildlife do you notice? Note areas of special concern. What do you like most? What do you want to enhance?Know Your Objectives
What are your goals? Do you want financial return, wildlife habitat, nature appreciation or something else? Talk to other landowners for ideas. See the General Land Use section for groups that may share similar goals or provide assistance. Working with an expert to write a management plan may help.you meet your long and short term objectives.Know Your Alternatives
Forests can offer income opportunities from more than the timber you may sell. Non-timber forest products such as craft materials, honey, firewood, medicinal plants, maple syrup and mushrooms are stable sources of income.Check with an Expert
See the Resource Directory of this brochure for contact information on local experts. Here is a list of who can help with specific needs:
- timber management, forest health, timber sale contracts: ODNR Service Forester
- wildlife habitat management: ODNR Division of Wildlife
- logging road erosion control, general land use information: ODNR - Division of Soil and Water Conservation; Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD); Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
- advice from woodland owners: Woodland Interest Groups
- timber sale assistance and administration, timber appraisals, tax information: Consulting foresters (fee invoked) contact your ODNR Service Forester for a list
- non-timber forest products and forest environmental information. including rare plants and animals: Rural Action's Forestry Coordinator.
Have a Plan and Get a Contract
The ODNR Service Forester or consulting forester can help you with a contract and management plan. Foresters can provide sample contracts and tips for selling timber. Your contract should include all details about the timber sale. Consider competitive bids and a review of harvesters' recent jobs. Your SWCD Technician can help you plan logging and road erosion control. A management plan is often required, for cost-share assistance.Call 1-877-4B4-UCUT (1-877-424-8288)
or visit the
Call Before You Cut Website
Join the Sustainable Forestry Committee or find out more about other Rural Action projects. Thank you for protecting our region's woodlands!
Remember - Call Before You Cut!
Sustainable Forestry
P.O. Box 157
Trimble, OH 45782
P: 740.767.4938
F: 740.767.4957
Events & Volunteer Opportunities
Land Restoration
Economic Opportunities
Resources for Woodland Owners
National Network of Forest Practioners
Sponsorship
This guide is a product of Rural Action's Sustainable Forestry Committee.
Original printing and distribution costs were donated by:
Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet)
Athens, Perry; Vinton and Washington Soil & Water Conservation Districts
Buckeye Hills Resource Conservation arid Development District
Hocking Valley Audubon Society
Ohio State University Extension
SE Ohio Woodland Interest Group
Union Printing