So you have forestland...
Feb 23, 2024The first time you inherit the responsibility for your forestland, it often feels overwhelming.
Now what?!? It's very similar to becoming a parent - all of a sudden you have this new responsibility, you're not really sure if what you're doing is right and you spend the first couple years just trying to keep them alive. . . . or maybe that's just me. . .
-- But like I said, the first couple years it's a whirlwind of learning, figuring things out, and most importantly not killing anything (or anyone). --
And like being a new parent, when you're new to the land game, there is no harm in asking for help! In fact, I HIGHLY ADVISE for you to do so. There are a multitude of resources at your disposal - although understandably it can feel overwhelming and intimidating - especially when it looks like everyone else has "got it figured out".
Here's the secret though... everyone is doing something slightly different and don't necessarily "have it all figured out" like you imagine. Just because your neighbor, we'll call him Joe, does this and your cousin, we'll call Joanne, does that, it does not mean you have to follow their steps.
Just like your kids... are YOUR kids...
Your forestland is YOUR forestland.
It's perfectly okay to do things very differently or slightly different! All that being said if their model fits your goals and situation there is nothing wrong with copying what you like and modeling your practices after someone whose been successful.
Remember when you were preparing to have your first baby, you probably got all the books, took everyone's advice, and prepared as MUCH as possible. Maybe you even felt very comfortable and confident with that preparation... Then the baby arrived . . . Some of what you learned was helpful and a lot you ended up throwing completely out the window because it turned out to just not be a fit for you and your baby's needs or situation. You tried feeding every 3 hours on the clock - and guess what you have a chunk of a baby who eats every 2 (again.. maybe that's just me...). You tried the strict bedtime routine - eat at 7:00pm on the dot, then bath for 10 minutes, then night time bottle and rocking to sleep -- because, hey, EVERYONE says babies do BEST with a structured routine, right? And your baby still cried for 1.5 hours and woke up 3x a night. You tried limiting "screen time" and after 3 days gave up and turned on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for 9 hours a day. Eventually. . . despite all the articles and advice. . . you start to figure things out that work best for YOU.
Everyone will be telling you what you "should" do and what you "should" want, but that may not be what's best for your OR what your forestland is even capable of.
For example: everyone says you just need to grow pines for periodic and retirement income. They tell you all about THEIR tree farm, THEIR pine straw and how fast growing THEIR trees are and can start final harvest at age 22.
What they may have forgotten to mention is they live a mile from their property, have a great upland hill perfect and ideal for growing loblolly pines, live within 30 miles of 4 different mills (which help increase their stumpage prices due to market competition), and also purchased the best genetics available for their seedlings.
Meanwhile perhaps you may live up to 3 hours from your forestland, and if you're truthful you and your spouse have always enjoyed it as a more of a "get away" for the family from the chaos of life... oh, and let's not forget that your forestland is more bottomland and riverfront property than pine uplands.
Now I whole-heartedly agree you should manage your land in some form or fashion to keep your forestland sustainable-- and I agree you should be striving to receive persistent or at least periodic income from your forestland which will help pay those property taxes -- but the HOW you manage can be done in a multitude of ways!
So as you step into this new role of decision making for your forestland (or maybe you're just starting to be more involved), remember that you have the power to say what is best for your circumstance; don't be hesitant to ask questions and reach out; and never forget to enjoy the ride!
If you're ready to fully embrace your decision making for your forestland, Land and Ladies is ready to guide you through that process!
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