Who are consulting foresters and what do they do?

More than 75% of Vermont is forested and 75% of that land is owned by private families. There are two main types of foresters in Vermont who work with private landowners. County foresters are public employees who work for the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. They are able to answer questions, provide information, or make a visit to your land. Consulting foresters are privately employed and work directly for the landowner providing extensive services to woodland owners. Consulting foresters may provide some or all of the following services:

- Preparing forest management plans
- Appraising forestland and timber value
- Locating and remarking existing boundaries
- Improving timber stands
- Preparing contracts for timber sales
- Supervising harvesting operations
- Designing and supervising construction of woods roads
- Coordinating state/federal cost share programs for timber, habitat and recreational improvement.
- Helping determine timber depletion for income tax purposes
- Providing information and services for enrollment in the Use Value Appraisal or Forest Stewardship programs.
- Integrating uses such as wildlife, Christmas tree plantations, sugarbush development, or recreational plans into Forest Stewardship plans and in ongoing management.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a consulting forester is to make sure they understand your needs as a landowner. Ask around. Get a second opinion. Talk to other satisfied clients. Select someone who understands what your goals are for the land.

Private consulting foresters charge for their services in different ways. Some charge per hour, or others use flat fees or a percentage of the revenue generated by managing the sale of timber. Results of a 2004 survey of private consulting forester fees are here.

For greater detail on this topic please visit What does a forester do, and how do you choose one? (pdf file) If you want to read this brochure but can't open the file, download Acrobat Reader for free here. To learn more about consulting foresters in Vermont, or find one in your area, see the Consulting Foresters Association of Vermont web site. Your County Forester can also give you a list of the practicing consulting foresters in your area.