Why pay a forester a significant percentage of the gross value on a timber sale when a logger won charge anything?
Loggers and lumber companies have an inherent conflict of interest when it comes to reporting the volume and value of what they have cut. That some of them have difficulty in resolving this conflict is a large part of why consulting foresters are in business in the first place. Loggers are not trained in the principles of silviculture. Some may have some knowledge of silviculture, but not to the extent of a well-trained and experienced forester. Consulting foresters will mark and tally trees to be cut, will put them out to bid to competent operators, will write a sale contract and oversee the cutting operation, including holding a performance deposit to insure adherence to the terms of the contract (SERVICES). The consulting forester works for you as your agent and advisor.
