Cooperating Foresters

There are about 120 private consulting foresters and industrial foresters [PDF, 1.5MB] who offer services to private landowners. Consulting foresters are independent contractors who make their living by charging a fee for work they do for you. They serve the best interests of the landowners. Forest products companies employ industrial foresters. They may offer free advice in return for the first right to bid on timber when you are ready for a harvest.

The DNR began the Cooperating Forester program in 1989. Private consulting foresters and industrial foresters voluntarily apply to participate. They are listed in a DNR published directory and receive referrals from DNR foresters. In return, Cooperating Foresters must comply with DNR standards and rules when giving forest management advice. Cooperating Foresters must also attend continuing education courses and file periodic reports with the Department.

In addition to many of the same services offered by DNR foresters, Cooperating Foresters provide:

• Complete timber sale services (timber marking, volume calculations, bid specifications, sale negotiation, sale supervision, contract preparation, sale administration, etc.)
• Custom tree planting and forest improvement services (including labor)
• Forest pest control applications
• Timber income tax consulting
• Forest appraisals for tax or investment purposes
• Boundary line establishment, surveying
• Expert witness testimony in trespass and damage claims
• Acquisition and sale of private forest land
• Christmas tree management
• Road layout and design
• Forest resource and economic studies
• Commercial recreation planning and development

For advice about how to select a private consulting forester, see Forestry Facts #75, Hiring a Consulting Forester (PDF file), or view a list of items to consider when contracting with a consulting forester.