The Forestry Forum

I am interviewing Foresters to write my stewardship plan.  I have recieved very different types of "contracts".  Is there an example or template of a "good" contract available somewhere?
Thanks,
Bill

I have never seen a template for that kind of contract. The most important thing I can think of is to make sure there is a good estimate of price. You don't want to be surprised by that.

Other than that, make sure he asks you a lot of questions. A good forester will need to know all about your wants/needs, likes and dislikes, and most importantly your goals. Those won't necessarily be on your contract, but their important.

You might find examples of stewardship items at the American Tree Farmer site here

Link (http://www.treefarmsystem.org/stuff/contentmgr/files/1/0c913bb23eaf1d138c16cec30bc2ef08/pdf/aff_2011standards_brochure_finalproof.pdf)

Not saying you need to join their program but might have some worthwhile concepts to consider.

What is the going rate per acre for a Stewardship Plan in your area?

Just going on info provided in a recent Wisconsin WWOA newletter the typical going rate is $500 plus $7/acre with a private certified consultant. The WI DNR no longer writes plans with the limited resources they have. I was fortunate to be grandfathered in the last month they were still accepting new applications under the old DNR supported system and cost me $300.