How to find a Forester

[Hannah]

Hello!  We have purchased a large property in Tioga County, and as part of our contract, we have agreed to put together a forest management plan, which will require working with a local forester!

I am hoping to get some advice as to how to find and hire the right fit for our land - any insight, tips or contacts are appreciated!  Thanks!

[Stephen Kutney]

Look at this document. https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/cooperatingforesterl...

Also, consider joining the New York Forest Owners Association. NYFOA.org

Steve

[Hannah]

Thank you so much! We will definitely use this resource and ill be sure to join the other group. I apprecite your reply!

[John McNerney]

I'm just seeing this almost 3 months after you posted, so maybe you have already found a forester. In case you are still looking, here are some thoughts

I'd recommend is doing some thinking about what your goals are for the property prior to selecting a forester. Foresters have differing interests and areas of expertise. Some are primarily interested in managing for timber value, others have expertise in managing for various forms of wildlife habitat. If trails and access for recreation are important to you, someone with experience in that area would be a plus.

A really valuable resource available to New York forest owners: check out the New York Master Forest Owners program. From their website:

Master Forest Owner (MFO) volunteers are woodland owners, like you, trained to help connect you to people and educational resources so you can increase your enjoyment of your woods.  MFO volunteers are not foresters. The support MFO volunteers offer is based on their training through Cornell Cooperative Extension and their experiences as a woodland owner.  If an MFO visit is right for you, request a visit.  An MFO visit is free, with no cost to the landowner

You can find out more and request a visit here:

https://blogs.cornell.edu/ccemfo/find-a-volunteer/is-a-master-fores...

This can be a great way to get your feet on the ground, organize your thoughts and start to define your objectives as you prepare to meet with a forester. Even if you have already selected a forester, it's still a valuable experience and may help you define questions you want to ask your forester.

Hope you are enjoying your property!