Golden Forestry Services, Inc.
Landowner Information
Ten Landowner tips for successful ownership, from Golden Forestry Services, Inc.

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?  Landowners usually make more money on a harvest when they utilize an
independent consulting forester, even after forester fees.

5. Keep and maintain a land management diary.  Keep a written log of work performed,
hours spent, mileage, etc.  These records may be tax deductible down the road.

6. Monitor you land frequently.  Next to clear boundary lines, this is a great 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 a timber
assessment by a professional forester is advised.

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 Service 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.
Copyright © 2010,  Golden Forestry Services, Inc.
PO Box 111, Orono, ME  04473    (207)356-8747
PO Box 111
Orono, ME  04473
(207) 356-8747