Forestry Consulting Services
Our professional staff provides a full range of forest consulting for landowners throughout the state. Some of our common services include forest planning, timber cruising & inventory, land use permitting, recreational management and wildlife habitat enhancement. We also provide computerized GIS mapping services.
Forest Management Plans
Planning is a critical component to successful forest management. Part of this planning process is an assessment of timber inventory and forest stand conditions. Forest management plans are used to guide landowners in their activities and address issues such as timber harvesting, wildlife enhancement, environmental laws and scheduling of activities. In some cases, forest management plans area required by state or governmental standards. The Maine Tree Growth Tax Law is an example, where management plan updates are required at 10-year intervals. We regularly write management plans to meet Maine Tree Growth Tax Law, NRCS Cost Share, American Tree Farm System, and Maine Stewardship plan standards.
Elements of a Forest Management Plan:
Elements of a Forest Management Plan:
- Landowner goals and objectives
- Property location and history
- Property boundaries and access
- Timber stand descriptions and silvicultural prescriptions
- Timber stand maps
- Forest management activities guideline
- Forest health
- Soils information and maps
- Fish and wildlife information from Maine Natural Areas Program
- Riparian and wetland information
- Recreation and aesthetics
Maine Tree Growth Tax Law
Maine Tree Growth Tax Law is the premier conservation program in Maine. The program promotes conservation values, offers substantial saving on property taxes, and supports the working landscape. Our foresters can help you benefit from this successful conservation program.
It allows landowners to save on property taxes, helps conserve forestland, while also supporting the working landscape. These multiple goals embodied in tree growth are what make it such a successful land conservation program in Maine. The main idea of current use is to tax land at the value for which it is being used. Instead of property being taxed at its “highest and best use” rate, which is essentially its maximum value as a development, it gets taxed at a rate more compatible with income derived from forestry uses. The result is that landowners have less pressure to build because of elevated property taxes. A second major goal is to allow woodlands to continue to provide ecological, environmental and cultural benefits important to Maine. This includes wetland protection, wildlife habitat, nutrient cycling erosion control and the like. Also, a well forested landscape provides important recreation opportunities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, birding, and general peace and solitude. Third, this program is meant to support the working landscape. By providing local sourced raw materials for lumber, pulp and wood heat, a well-managed forest provides income to landowners while creating jobs for loggers, mills, land managers and others.
In short, by enrolling in Maine Tree Growth Program landowners agree not to develop their land, and to manage it solely for forest products. In doing so, their property taxes will be reduced, and in most cases reduced dramatically. You must have a minimum of 10 forested acres that are dedicated to the production of forest products to be eligible for this program. DTMC can enroll properties not currently enrolled in tree growth and can also recertify properties already enrolled.
Below is a copy of the official Maine Tax Bulletin Number 19 that covers the Maine Tree Growth Tax Law.
It allows landowners to save on property taxes, helps conserve forestland, while also supporting the working landscape. These multiple goals embodied in tree growth are what make it such a successful land conservation program in Maine. The main idea of current use is to tax land at the value for which it is being used. Instead of property being taxed at its “highest and best use” rate, which is essentially its maximum value as a development, it gets taxed at a rate more compatible with income derived from forestry uses. The result is that landowners have less pressure to build because of elevated property taxes. A second major goal is to allow woodlands to continue to provide ecological, environmental and cultural benefits important to Maine. This includes wetland protection, wildlife habitat, nutrient cycling erosion control and the like. Also, a well forested landscape provides important recreation opportunities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, birding, and general peace and solitude. Third, this program is meant to support the working landscape. By providing local sourced raw materials for lumber, pulp and wood heat, a well-managed forest provides income to landowners while creating jobs for loggers, mills, land managers and others.
In short, by enrolling in Maine Tree Growth Program landowners agree not to develop their land, and to manage it solely for forest products. In doing so, their property taxes will be reduced, and in most cases reduced dramatically. You must have a minimum of 10 forested acres that are dedicated to the production of forest products to be eligible for this program. DTMC can enroll properties not currently enrolled in tree growth and can also recertify properties already enrolled.
Below is a copy of the official Maine Tax Bulletin Number 19 that covers the Maine Tree Growth Tax Law.
Timber Cruising and Inventory
We often provide timber cruising and inventory for income tax timber depletion, estate planning, acquisition and/or sale, management planning and timber trespass. Inventory of a parcel provides accurate data showing species composition, stand quality, value, stem density and regeneration. This information is very useful to help us guide management activities and to you as the landowner. Landowners are very often surprised at the value of their timberland and forest products. Timber inventories can also be used for model future growth and yields using computer programing.
Boundary Line Maintenance and Reconnaissance
In order to manage a timber resource, we must know where it begins and where it ends. Having clear and concise property lines is a preventative measure against timber trespass and adds a layer of security as a landowner. Our foresters are well trained in boundary line reconnaissance and can usually located them by finding evidence and doing deed research. Should we not be able to figure them out, we would be happy to provide you with a list of excellent surveyors we have worked with. Boundary lines should be maintained with paint and blazes every 10 years to prevent having to relocate them in the future. It is important to know where your property is located on the ground and not just on a map.
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Permitting and Land Use Planning
The laws regarding forest management activities and road construction are often very complex. Our experienced staff can help you with these daunting projects. We understand land use regulations and are accustomed to working with state and federal agencies. Whether applying for a road construction permit, harvesting timber in a deer wintering area or disturbing soil near a wetland or waterbody, let us help you through the paperwork and permitting process.
Wildlife & Recreation
Over the past several years, interest in recreation and wildlife habitat enhancement has greatly increased. Due to this demand, we provide a full range of wildlife and recreation management concepts for our clients. Some of these projects include:
- Clearing for Wildlife Habitat / Food Plots
- Forest Trail Construction
- Wetland and Waterfowl Habitat Enhancement
- Habitat Development for Game and Non-game Species such as deer, grouse, songbirds and small mammals
Computerized Mapping
With the passing of each year the advances in mapping technology are amazing. By utilizing the latest in GIS (Geographic Information System) software, we are able to produce endless mapping products for our use and our clients. This electronic data integrates with our GPS units and provides us with accurate data for use in the field or office. Up to date high resolution satellite imagery allows us to accurately map your property and associated features in full color and accurate to within just a few feet. Whether your looking for a large laminated photo of your woodlot or a highly accurate multi featured map, we have a solution for you.