Landowners interesting in selling timber on their property may pick up a few tips about the practice at a free program next month at Penn State Schuylkill.
"This is the first time the Schuylkill County Conservancy has done a program geared toward private landowners," Frank P. Snyder, a state service forester who works for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Cressona, said Friday. "We're concerned about forest owners are selling timber without exactly knowing what they're getting into."
Hosted by the Schuylkill County Conservancy, "Selling Your Timber and Enhancing Wildlife Habitat on Your Property" will take place from 8 a.m. to noon March 9 at Penn State Schuylkill's Health and Wellness Building.
Ben Vaupel, Auburn, conservancy past president, will host the event. His family owns about 100 acres of forestland, and he said timbering is something a good steward should do every now and then.
"I'd say 70 percent of the forests in Pennsylvania are owned by private landowners," he said. "What you have to do in order to conserve that resource is you have to figure out a way to take care of it to make it stronger. It really is part of our life."
He was referring to how trees improve the environment, absorb carbon dioxide and prevent global warming.
"Sometimes you need to timber because eventually the trees are going to end up dying because they reach a certain age," Vaupel said. "But if you timber incorrectly, you'll lose seeds for future trees. Loggers will be looking to cut down the larger trees to make the most money out of it. But you want to leave some of the larger trees because they give you the seeds for future trees."
Timbering allows more sunlight into the forest.
"And when the acorns fall, they'll have a chance to get started. You'll have perpetuation," Vaupel said.
"Pennsylvania's forests provide us with untold economic, ecological and social benefits," Snyder said. "While many believe the state owns most of the forestland when in reality, seven out of 10 acres is privately owned."
In Schuylkill County, there's an estimated 350,000 acres of forest. About 75 percent of it is privately owned, Snyder said.
"To provide proper stewardship of their forests, landowners need an understanding of specific, essential information," he said. "This conference is intended to serve as a landowner's guide to forest ownership."
In addition to Vaupel hosting the event, presenters will share information, including the following:
- David R. Jackson, a forester with Penn State Extension Service, Centre County, will discuss "Selling Your Timber." It will outline the steps involved in conducting a successful timber sale that ensures the sustainability of forest resources.
- Mark E. Banker, a wildlife biologist from Appalachian Forest Consultants, Centre County, will talk about "Managing Your Forests," offering information to private landowners on how they can improve and enhance wildlife habitat and increase wildlife population.
- Dennis DiOrio, a district conservationist with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Harrisburg, will, along with Snyder will offer introductions to their offices.
"Each participant will receive a free packet of information, including a special issue of National Woodlands magazine that covers topics such as understanding timber prices, what to know before selling your timber, how to choose a consulting forester and a guide to timber taxes," Snyder said.
The conservancy would prefer if those interested in attending the conference to register by March 1, Snyder said. Call Wayne G. Lehman, natural resource specialist at the Schuylkill Conservation District, at 570-622-3742, ext. 120.
"Hopefully we'll get 50 people to attend, but we have enough space for 100 or more," Snyder said.
INFO BOX:
Pennsylvania forest facts
- Forestland covers 59 percent of Pennsylvania (16.6 million acres)
- Highest historic percentage of coverage: 90 percent (1630, pre-settlement)
- Lowest historic percentage of coverage: 38 percent (early 1900s)
- 71 percent of the forest is privately owned (12 million acres)
- There are more than 600,000 private forest owners (1 in 8 households)
- The average ownership size is 17 to 21 acres
- The average owner age is 57 years
- Our forests are composed mostly of mixed oaks and northern hardwoods
- The five most common tree species are red maple, black birch, black cherry, beech and sugar maple
Source:
Frank P. Snyder, service forester, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, Weiser Forest District, Cressona If you go
· Event: "Selling Your Timber and Enhancing Wildlife Habitat on Your Property"
· When: 8 a.m. to noon March 9
· Where: Health and Wellness building, Penn State Schuylkill Campus, Schuylkill Haven
· Admission: Free
· Information: Call Wayne G. Lehman, natural resource specialist at the Schuylkill Conservation District, at 570-622-3742, ext. 120