Finding and Hiring a Consulting Forester
One way to find a good forester is to ask your friends and neighbors to suggest someone that they have worked with (but be sure to check their qualifications). You can also use one of the following directories.
- Sign up for a My Land Plan account and you can search for Foresters near your land
- Find a Society of American Foresters Certified Forester
- Find an Association of Consulting Foresters member by state
- Find a Professional Forest Guild Member by service offered
Once you have chosen a consulting forester, you have to work out how and how much they will be paid. There are several ways to structure this relationship. Most consultants have a range of rates depending upon the forestry service to be provided, the property size, travel distance and time required. A forester may charge by the hour, day, acre or the job. With timber sales, consultants often charge by a percentage of the gross sale income. Some foresters may have a minimum fee for specific services.
When you have worked out the terms of employment, be sure they are incorporated into a written contract and signed by you and your consultant forester.
Learn More
Use the MyLandPlan.org Forester Directory to request a consultation with a forester near you.
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