Carry out a Timber Harvest or Thinning Project

Thinnings and timber harvests are an important part of forest management. Removing trees can help to foster new growth, diversify your forest, attract wildlife, improve recreational opportunities, and minimize the potential for storm and pest damage. A well planned harvest can also bring in additional income to you. Tree removal projects will often require the assistance of both foresters and loggers. Most often you will develop a harvest or thinning plan with a consulting forester, and a logger or logging company will physically cut and remove the trees. In some cases, a DNR or other public forester may assist you with applying for cost-share assistance or coordinating with a cut on neighboring public lands. 

Working with a forester you trust will ensure that you are comfortable with the harvest plan and practices to be carried out. A forester will also be able to assist you throughout any bidding and sales processes. In many cases, your forester will have a network of loggers they are accustomed to working with, but it is important that you are comfortable with the logger as well. Logger education programs and Master Logger certifications can help you choose a logger who is knowledgeable in best practices. The Minnesota Logger Education Program (MLEP) works with partners to provide loggers with training in sustainable forest management, transportation, safety and business management. Master Loggers take an extra step of certification and have their work reviewed and verified by an independent board.