The Case for Management
Contents
 
Perhaps the best argument for good management practices is to view these stands side-by-side. This is more impressive when you realize that in the Appalachians, harsh weather (which includes moisture stress and ice storms) reduces growth and contributes to poor tree form. With agriculture occupying the richer downslope positions, forestry is generally relegated to steep and infertile soils.

White Oak White Oak White Oak White Oak White Oak Red Maple White Oak White Oak White Oak Scarlet Oak White Oak Scarlet Oak Scarlet Oak White Oak White Oak White Oak To learn more about each tree that fell within the sample plot, single-click on the tree.

In this region, timber sales generally result in less than $1000 per acre. With good management, it is possible to far exceed the average sale.

Well-managed stand total value per acre: $3410 *

Poorly managed stand total value per acre: $787 *

  • Sawtimber: 647 board feet = $365
  • Pulpwood: 24 cords = $422

* Growth data represented here is based on one prism point sample within the harvested stand. Monetary data is based on 2003 dollars and timber values. Actual payments to landowners are generally 50% of gross payments, but vary widely with distance to mills, terrain, harvest size, etc.

VT Forestry Department