re: Harvesting timber on 20 acres

Do not trust loggers to do anything correctly. That is why we, as foresters, have to check in on them at least once every two days. Most of them are stupid, and in the past few years have begun to act like they understand forestry. They either try and make the most money, or do the same thing for every single stand of timber. They do not know how to manage timber.

A forester will ensure everything goes correctly and prices that you get paid are correct. He will also ensure the total long-term growth and health of the stand from what your desires are, no matter how tiny. These are things that most people, especially loggers, don't understand.

You may need to clearcut and start over again, who knows. I haven't seen the property.

North of the interstate in Livingston Parish can be cut virtually any time of the year. South of the interstate holds much more water, and unless drainage is good, you have a 2-3 month window to cut without destroying the property.


Call Steve Fontenot of Good Hope Land & Timber (225)328-9928. One of the best and highest quality mixed hardwood pine and planted pine timber guys around. Should have probably 5-10 jobs in a 50 mile radius around there, and lives in north Livinsgton, so it shouldn't be a problem for him to stop by and at least give you advice.

Also have a buddy named Jeff Sanders that just graduated from LSU. He and his dad(30yrs as a forester) work together. Phone number is (225)954-0609.

I have cut smaller tracts with him in that area, and used to work with Steve. We cut anything from 10ac to a square mile.


Recent timber prices can be found on the LA Ag and Forestry website. Here is the link Timber prices by year and quarter


Here is the Q4 2012 prices. Look at Q1-Q4 to get an idea of how the prices vary throughout the year.




Any more questions just ask