Northern Maine (Aroostook) Forester recommendations?

[kwendt]

Hi all... any chance that the Foresters here... have worked with any southern Aroostook foresters? I need a Maine Tree Growth woodland plan, an ATFS plan, and a plan to submit to the NRCS (Farmland/Wood/Water conservation, etc). I'd like to use one plan and person for all... and combine efforts to save some money and minimize potential conflicting 'advice'/'directions'. I'm not looking for a one time deal, but will want a long term working relationship/friendship with a local person. 

I've contacted all the agencies, downloaded all the names of registered foresters for all three programs... but no information about them.

Or... if I interview/ask for references: what should I ask? What sorts of skills? training? ??? What's a foresters' portfolio 'look' like? How would YOU hire a professional forester in your area?

I'm just a newbie farmer, who's into conservation, sustainability, good food and forging. Thanks in advance for any info or referrals or whatever... you might have.

[Ron Scott]

Check out references from others who have used the services of a local forester serving your area. Insure that they are certified by the Society of American Forests, Association of Consulting Foresters of America and your state. Years of experience should also be checked, but as you stated work with one who is young enough to work with you for a number of future years and not one that is going on 80 years old, though they might get you started on the right path. ;)

[kwendt]

Awesome and thanks. Yes, I've double checked and narrowed down the list to about 10 or so people who have the credentials, licenses and are cross certified for all the programs, state and national. I've gone to the local NRCS people and asked them for recommendations and who they've worked with... and also asked the Aroostook County Maine State Forester for recommendations too. He told me to check references.

Well... I don't mind calling those 10 forestry gentlemen... and asking them for references and such. But really.... I don't even know what intelligent questions to ask them  .... I'd feel sort of idiotish! Here's a rough 'off the top of my head'... list of questions that might be good? Note that I certainly don't want to insult anybody. I'm learning fast, fast .... but I'm still a new forest owner.

Possible Questions?
1.  How long have you been working as a forester in Southern Aroostook?
2. About how many (take your pick: NRCS Farmland, Watershed, Forest, State of Maine, Tree Growth, etc. etc.) Wood Management Plans have you done?  Do you have any sample plans you could email me?
3. Could I have two or three contacts of people you have done Plans for? May I contact them?
4. Are you (um... 'familiar'? 'Up-to-speed'?) with the 2014 Farm Bill changes?
5. Are you able to do a tree survey/plan by the end of March?
6. What areas of forest management to you prefer? (wildlife, timber production, recreation).
7. Are you willing to help us maintain and/or update The Plan as necessary?
8. Would you be willing to physically tour my land with me in the spring, to help educate me - show me what I have, what needs to be done?
9. May I call or email you with questions from time to time, regarding The Plan?
10.?

[Ron Scott]

All are suitable questions to ask when seeking the services of a forester that you may wish to retain.

[curdog]

I think that there fee will need to be asked. If the other questions are answered satisfactory this would not be a deal breaker, but how they charge is needed to be clarified. Also what would be charged for any updates. Sounds like you are on the right path with things. Good luck.

[kwendt]

Oh! Yes, I quite see that question about fees should be discussed, thanks Ron Scott and @curdog . Ron, your other response/post makes me rethink a bit...

One can't 'buy' experience, only knowledge. I can study up on forestry all I want, read this forum like crazy (love it), but I can't walk through my trees and say that I know how or what to do for them. My grand mother used to say that only experience gives wisdom.

Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.

[FarmingSawyer]

NRCS usually gives you a list of Foresters they will accept plans from. They can't officially make recommendations....some times they will unofficially though if you read between the field agent's statements. Then it's a matter of doing your due diligence and finding someone you can work with. You could also have a Maine State Forester do a free walk on your land. They are great at helping you identify your goals and determining what sort of direction you might head with your woodland.

[kwendt]

@FarmingSawyer  absolutely! Yes, I spoke to the NRCS and State forestry people about who they have worked with... Any recommendations? And just as you said... They can't do recommendations per sae. They told me to check references. (Hence the message on the board.)

I'll have the boundary survey in a few weeks if all goes well. I have already contacted Dan Jacobs, Aroostook county State Forester about coming over, and also the southern Aroostook NRCS agent, Helena (can't spell her last name sorry) about dropping by. They will when I get back to the property in two months. As will a few neighbors, some ag co op folks, some local Amish builders, and grange members.

Any FF people nearby who wanna stop by and help me identify trees.. @SwampDonkey ??...lol  Are welcome! I'll have coffee from an old percolator over the fire, and from scratch, fire-baked Dutch oven double chocolate cheesecake. But I gotta know in advance you're comin.... The cheesecake I make overnight in the slow coals... So it's for breakfast! 😀

[SwampDonkey]

A cold one this morning I bet.  Be some high stepping to keep warm.  ;D

On occassion I will venture down that way for something to eat. But I'm frozen up this morning. -10F on the hill.

I could email you a "sample only" operating plan as a stepping off point in your venture. Something to look at at least. Not to say it's what you need precisely as that is up to you and what you want to do. Your plan could look somewhat different in presentation, but most likely quite the same in information gathering and prescriptions since we live in the same forest type pretty much. ;)

Private message an email if your interested. It would be a PDF document.

[kwendt]

I could email you a "sample only" operating plan as a stepping off point in your venture. Something to look at at least. Not to say it's what you need precisely as that is up to you and what you want to do. Your plan could look somewhat different in presentation, but most likely quite the same in information gathering and prescriptions since we live in the same forest type pretty much. ;)

Private message an email if your interested. It would be a PDF document.

Thanks again, SD.... Awesome.

[kwendt]

Well, Here's what happened:

I spoke to a lot of foresters, learned a lot. Liked most of them... I did find out that there is a vast difference in who the forester works for in regards to mindset. I found that foresters who work for sawmills, timber brokers, land companies or paper mills, are different from those working for forestry management companies. The first will offer to buy my trees or find a mkt, the second seem to offer their land mgmt services so I (the admittedly less skilled land owner) don't have to bother my head over it. Lol (Please note, I'm generalizing, and slightly exaggerating).

I ended up going with an older forester (in his 70's), the only one licensed and certified with NRCS and State. Works out of his house, for himself. He strikes me as a no nonsense, stand up guy, who asked me what I wanted. I sent him a 23 page forest management plan that I'd already worked on, using the online ATF/NRCS template. In it I detailed my goals and research. I included all the due diligence on the parcel that I had... NRCS Soils mapping and description data, aerial photography from 1940 and up, my soil testing and water quality testing reports, the State and national wildlife endangered info, pictures of the parcel in summer and winter. He actually read it, asked me questions. He knows all the locals, and was recommended by two of the other foresters that I interviewed. He hasn't objected to me wanting to learn more, be out on the land, etc. He doesn't "yes" me to death, either. Tells me when something is not achievable, or practical.

It's early yet. I'm happy so far, and will hopefully see some stand information soon.

And SD, your sample report was very helpful, gave me clues as to what to expect. Thank you again!

 

[sandhills]

kwendt, I know you posted an intro thread about it but I can't even remember what I was doing yesterday, if you don't mind my asking, how did you come across this land?  You have a beautiful place and sure sounds like you're on the right track in caring for it, it'll be fun to watch this all unfold.  And BTW, I really love the barn  .

[kwendt]

kwendt, I know you posted an intro thread about it but I can't even remember what I was doing yesterday, if you don't mind my asking, how did you come across this land?  You have a beautiful place and sure sounds like you're on the right track in caring for it, it'll be fun to watch this all unfold.  And BTW, I really love the barn  .

S'okay. I'm originally from that area. About 5 years ago, my husband fell in love with the area, it's ppl, and way of life. we started looking. Started asking around. After about 3 years, and looking at several properties, we came across this one. MLS search. Watched it, waited. Price came down eventually and we went to see it In person. Contracted with a Realter to represent us, someone we liked before hand.

Helped that we had already saved 30% for a down payment, and have no outstanding debt. Banks don't like us.  ;D

[sandhills]

Thanks, sounds great and now the fun begins (ok began  ;)).  It will really be fun to see how this all turns out and what you do with it!

[kwendt]

Yes, as someone else on here jokingly said... It's like a soap opera.... And we haven't even officially moved up there yet. Drama galore! Most of it is ironically funny (shakes head). But I can't imagine what could have happened if some uptight, stressed out, city folk had bought the place... :

Meanwhile, my Forester guy turned in the State Tree Growth paperwork, so hopefully our state property taxes will drop this year by a bunch. Making plans for a full timber cruise in June. He tells me that shure nuff I've got enough cedar for a fence posts if I want them. And Balsam, spruce, and sugar maple and birch... No new news that... lol. Northern Maine, that's typical! Lol.