Consider mediating or arbitrating disputes through a group of forestry professionals. These forms of conflict resolution can often focus on restoring relationships between neighbors, where a judicial proceeding may only focus on fault. Remember, your neighbor will still be your neighbor long after a lawsuit is over. Join a local landowner association or the county chapter of the state forestry association. These networks put you in touch with your neighbors as well as help educate you about local timber- land ownership and management issues and problems.
Some groups have monthly newsletters, which can be especially helpful for absentee owners.
If there is not an association in your area, consider forming a local landowner's group. Start informally with a fish fry, barbecue and a talk by the county forester. They do not constitute an endorsement of any non-affiliated organizations, businesses, products or content of these pages by the Cooperative Extension Service or Clemson University. Clemson University Cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture and South Carolina Counties. Issued in Furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Acts of May 8 an June 30, 1914.