Forestry Education Library
Whether you're a first-generation landowner or managing a multi-generational family forest, our educational resources help you make informed decisions about your timberland.
Downloadable Guides
Getting Started with Timber Management
A beginner's guide to understanding your forest's value and developing a management plan.
Understanding Carbon Credits for Forest Owners
Complete guide to monetizing your forest's carbon sequestration potential.
LiDAR Technology Explained
How modern forest mapping works and what it means for your property assessment.
Selecting a Logging Contractor
What to look for, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
Tax Benefits of Forest Ownership
Timberland offers unique tax advantages that can significantly improve your after-tax returns. Here are key provisions every landowner should understand:
Capital Gains Treatment
Timber sales often qualify for long-term capital gains rates (0-20%) rather than ordinary income rates (up to 37%).
Depletion Deductions
Recover your timber investment tax-free through cost depletion as trees are harvested.
Management Expenses
Reforestation, road maintenance, and management costs are deductible expenses.
Section 631(b) Election
Treat outright timber sales as capital gains with proper basis allocation.
* Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Estate Planning for Timberland
Timberland is often the largest asset in a family's estate. Proper planning ensures your forest legacy passes to the next generation without forced sales.
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Conservation Easements
Permanently protect your land while receiving significant tax benefits.
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Family Limited Partnerships
Transfer ownership gradually while maintaining management control.
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Special Use Valuation (IRC 2032A)
Reduce estate tax burden by valuing land at forest use rather than development potential.
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Installment Sales
Spread timber sale income across multiple years to reduce tax impact.
Grants & Funding Opportunities
EQIP (Environmental Quality)
USDA cost-share program for conservation practices including tree planting, forest stand improvement, and wildlife habitat.
Up to 75% cost-shareCRP (Conservation Reserve)
Annual rental payments for establishing forest cover on environmentally sensitive cropland.
10-15 year contractsState Cost-Share Programs
Many states offer additional incentives for reforestation, fire breaks, and water quality protection.
Varies by stateCarbon Credit Advance
Some programs offer upfront payments against future carbon credit revenue.
Cedrick Logging ProgramSeasonal Management Calendar
| Season | Key Activities | Timing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Tree planting, prescribed burns, boundary maintenance | Plant before buds break; burn before green-up |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Timber cruising, harvest planning, road maintenance | Best access; dry conditions for inventory |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Harvesting (leaf-off), pest surveys, hunting leases | Optimal harvest conditions in many regions |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Frozen ground logging, planning, tax prep | Reduced soil compaction; year-end decisions |
Pest & Disease Identification
Bark Beetles
Pitch tubes, boring dust, fading crowns. Report immediately—infestations spread rapidly.
Root Rot
Yellowing needles, thin crowns, mushrooms at base. Avoid harvesting during wet conditions.
Defoliators
Caterpillars, sawflies, gypsy moth. Most trees recover, but repeated years cause mortality.