1. Paint your boundary lines every ten years. This is easily the best insurance policy for your
property.
2. Know your neighbors and their goals. Your neighbors can be your best resource or your
biggest challenge. Pooled resources, shared costs and added security are just some
benefits that can be obtained.
3. Conduct a timber inventory and know you timber basis. This will save you money in the
long run. Most landowners who hire loggers directly, without forester representation, to "save
money", overlook this huge money-saving item. Frequently, the tax savings exceed foresters
fees.
4. Seek independent forester representation. A competent, independent, consulting
forester will work solely in your best interest. If you aren't paying the forester directly, who is
and why?
5. Keep and maintain a land management diary. Keep a written log of work performed,
hours spent, mileage, etc. These records may be deductible down the road.
6. Monitor you land frequently. Next to clear boundary lines, this is your best insurance
policy. If you are from away, have a trusted companion or neighbor monitor your land for you.
7. Golden rule of thumb...at any point in your forest, stick out your thumb and turn 360
degrees. If you count more than 15 trees that are wider than your thumb, then it may be a
good time to contact a forester.
8. Think about fire management around structures. Create and maintain a natural fire
buffer between all structures and forestlands.
9. Check references!!! Every profession has bad apples, including forestry and logging. Call
your local Maine Forest Representatives for reputable professionals. It will take less than an
hour of your time and save from headaches down the road.
10. Educate yourself. There are many good resources out there, including on the internet.
See the links below for a handful of them.
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Maine Forest Service
Maine Forest Service WoodsWISE Cost-Sharing Program
Maine Forest Service Publications
Maine Forest Service Information Sheets
Maine Tree Growth Tax Law
Maine Tree Growth Tax Law Valuation Rates
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Manomet Maine
Maine Environmental Policy Institute
Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine (SWOAM)
American Tree Farm System
National Timber Tax Website
Conservation Options for the Forest Landowner
PO Box 111, Orono, ME 04473 (207)356-8747