In addition to fire prevention and control the DOF has a responsibility to follow-up on harvesting and to assist landowners who seek advice.
Foresters monitor the forest health through ground and aerial observation.
When problems occur such as bark beetles, gypsy moth and ice storm damage the landowner is notified and provided advice and referrals to timber buyers or consultant foresters as needed. Surveys show most landowners sell timber and make other forest management decisions without professional advice. Studies have concluded that landowners who sell timber with the assistance of a professional forester receive 50 percent more for their timber. The DOF inspects harvesting sites for compliance with the Seed Tree Law and The Silvicultural Water Quality Law. Also during an inspection, compliance with other state and federal laws is observed so the landowner and logger can be informed and kept in compliance with applicable regulations.