Cost of Hiring a Cooperating Forester
How much will services from a Cooperating Forester cost?
Fees charged by foresters vary considerably and change overtime as do other business costs. Therefore, specific rates are not included.
Most consultants have a range of rates depending upon the forestry service to be provided, the property size, travel distance and time required. They may charge by the hour, day, acre or the job. With timber sales, consultants often charge by a percentage of the gross sale income.
Landowners are strongly encouraged to compare costs based on different fee calculations; hour, day, acre, job or percentage. Some foresters may have a minimum fee for specific services.
Industrial foresters may not charge a monetary fee but may request other consideration for services rendered such as the right of first refusal to bid on your timber when you have a harvest.
Often landowners question if the benefits of hiring a forester are worth the costs. For many the answer is yes. Research from a number of states shows that professional forestry assistance produces higher timber sale returns and higher residual stand values. The forester's fee is frequently more than offset by these higher values.
