Potential buyers should be allowed to examine the timber, to check the volume and quality of the timber and to estimate their logging costs, before submitting their bids. After all bids are received, the highest acceptable bidder is notified and a timber sales contract is written. A deposit or performance bond is collected, and copies of the contract are prepared for both buyer and seller. Choose a quality logger. Hiring a well-trained logger who protects your soil and water is essential to the success of the timber harvest.
Day urges landowners to find loggers trained in environmental practices.
To make sure the terms of the timber sales contract are met, Day and his forester inspect the logging operation during harvest and again upon completion of the operation. If the job is satisfactory, the performance bond is then returned to the logger. Roads, skid trails and log landings should be reshaped and water-barred to assure proper drainage. Bare areas should be seeded to prevent erosion and provide food for wildlife. Roads should be closed to all but occasional traffic.