For the Reporter

Woodland owners can learn how to organize a timber sale that meets their objectives and is profitable and safe for their woodlot at the Selling Logs from your Property Symposium on Friday and Saturday at Green River College.

The comprehensive symposium covers all aspects of selling logs, including types of sales and buyers; getting fair value for your logs; what log buyers look for; understanding your rights and responsibilities as a landowner; appropriate silvicultural practices; protecting yourself from liability; how to hire a logger; working with a professional forester; permitting requirements; and taxes.

The symposium features forestry consultants, loggers, log buyers, experienced landowners and representatives from the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Revenue.

“Selling logs is not simply a matter of calling up a logger,” said Washington State University Extension Forester Kevin Zobrist. “Too often I get calls from landowners who have been ripped off, had their property destroyed, and are facing regulatory penalties. Once the trees are cut, there’s no going back and the impacts will last for decades. Just a little beforehand knowledge would have protected their property saved them tens of thousands of dollars.”

A field trip includes a tour of Lincoln Tree Farm to see examples of what successful harvesting looks like, riparian buffers, reforestation, and recognizing logs that will sell for premium prices.

The cost to attend is $30 per person or $40 per couple. Student and Master Gardener discounts are available. The cost includes all sessions, Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and field trip transportation.

The college is at 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn.

To register or learn more, visit forestry.wsu.edu or contact WSU Extension Forestry at 206-263-1128.