Pre-Harvest Planning Checklist
Pre-Harvest planning is an important step in a harvest operation that you and your professional forester should discuss. This step will minimize the likelihood of problems and associated expense correcting problems. Taking the time in advance to address potential complications will lead to a more successful project.
Planning begins with on-site property inspection and open communication on a number of issues, including:
Begin with a formal, written timber sale contract and review the conditions of the contract with all parties involved.
Discuss special concerns that might be unique to the operation.
Identify and clearly mark all property boundaries. It is a good practice to notify adjacent landowners of the intention to harvest and discuss and agree upon the property boundaries in advance.
Review the Guide to Forestry Best Management Practices in Tennessee publication. Address the location of and the means for protecting all water bodies, wetlands or other sensitive or significant areas.
Layout and have full understanding of treatment of access roads, skid trails and log decks.
Locate and discuss where stream crossings will occur and via what method (temporary bridges, culverts and fording).
Determine where water diversion structures are necessary and how the final approach to streams will be protected (brush, gravel, tree tops, etc.) to minimize soil entering water bodies.
The logging contractor should understand that they have a duty to minimize damage to residual trees, properly cleaned up trash and petroleum spills and avoid damage to private and public property.
Confirm that purchaser has acceptable limits of liability and workman’s comprehensive insurance.
Each of these issues should also be addressed upon completion of the harvest and any problems corrected prior to departure of the logging contractor.