Bad Logging or Ripped Off?

[Bailey_Dog]

First off, I wish I took more time to find this site and follow up on some of the research that's recommended by the members of the forum before I started down the path I'm on.

I signed a contract with a Forest Management guy who arranged for the select cutting of about 25-30 acres of the 80 acre pacel I own.  My goal was to clean up the woods for future timber management as well as generate some money.

Now, after the logging company he contracted left, there's a lot of trees that they knocked down or cut down that they left lying around (I guess they were of little value to them); some areas were cut that were not supposed to be cut; some stumps left waist to chest high, and the worse part is that I was paid only 15-20% of what the Management guy stated he thought the value was worth!

After walking through with him after the fact, we discovered that we were not given any reciepts for large hardwood logs taken, although many were.  And, I was informed by the Management guy that the hardwood would be brought to a landing and bidded out to secure the most money.  However, once the logging company left, there was nothing.  

The receipt's that were were given for pulpwood and hardwood bolts doesn't even come close to matching the size of the logged pile that existed at the landing (one good thing I happened to visit the site and take a few pictures while the wood was still stacked up there).

Probably a bit complicated, but I really believe I was seriously ripped off.  The Forest Management guy I hired agrees to, but he only started to move after I howled about the price paid.  I'm trying to figure out what steps I need to take, but am not sure where to start.  I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks.

[Jeff]

Bailey_Dog, you keep saying Forest Management guy. Was he a Forester?  I know that area very well. Send me a private message with the name of the "Forest Manaement guy" and the Logging company if you would. You can send a private message by clicking on my username and find ing the link in my profile that says end this member a private message.

[Bailey_Dog]

I appreciate the offer.   If I can figure out how to use it!

[Bailey_Dog]

Thanks for the reply.  His company is best described at a Timber Service company.  We signed a contract with him and he arranged the logger's.  He did all the marking per our request for what we wanted done.  

The thing I'm kicking myself on now, is that I don't know if he is a certified Forester.  Looks like if I would have taken the time to do a bit more homework up front and found this site I probably wouldn't have the problems I have today!

[Buzz-sawyer]

Sounds to me like your Forster is nearly TOTALLY responsible for the whole fiasco as you told it.
He marked and estimat ???ed the sale, then hired someone who didnt contractually agree to meet those same obligations ................I would have the law involved immediately if I were you..........

[Ron Wenrich]

Did you have a contract with the "Forest Management guy"?  If he was acting as your representative, then he is the guy you have a beef with.

In my state, anyone can call themselves a forester.  Most guys that do have credentials.  The few that don't usually work for a logger or a mill.  

But, you can have non-degreed guys who call themselves timber agents or the like.  Some of them do good work, some don't.  Just like foresters.

Bottom line is that the agent is didn't do his job and is probably liable for damages.

[Ron Scott]

Bailey,

I sent you an email to call me tomorrow with the names and details of your situation.Your problem isn't far from me and I never heard of any Tree Service Company as such. It sounds like you have both situations as the Thread is titled.

Again, the need for a professional certified forester with the proper creditials in advance before one is needed " after the fact" along with an attorney.

[J_T]

I wish you luck . We loged a track of blow down a lot of years back that man had every tree named it seamed like :D :D He didn't miss a thing he was so good he could guess a load of logs with in a hundred bf in his favor  ;D I saw a lot of guys try him on it don't know how he did it ??? When he died he was the richest man in town . Years ago he went to a timber sale and the bid was around 50 grand and they stoped the bids to explane to him it was a cash sale as he always looked ragged . He got the last laugh when he opened that brefcase though

[babylogger]

i know im new but even if he was a certified forester in ny they will own your land. once you sign that contract with them your royally screwed sorry for the s word. they tell you when where and how to cut. dont even try to cut a sapling thats messing with your dish youll be fined!! thats just an example. best wishes too you but id find a terrific forestry lawyer.