Plan Development and Implementation

At WHM, timberland management begins with defining the owner’s objectives. We strive to reach a thorough understanding and agreement with the landowner on the purpose, time horizon and desired intensity of management for the property. The initial evaluation determines the emphasis, and thereby the resources, to be dedicated towards wildlife habitat enhancement, habitat management, habitat conservation, timber production, recreation, historic preservation, or other considerations. A subsequent on-the-ground assessment of the attributes of the property can then be used to develop a comprehensive management plan detailing future operations and their costs and benefits.

Forest Inventory and Valuation

Our experienced and knowledgeable specialists are actively engaged in forest inventory projects ranging from timber cruising to forest planning models. Some of the inventory services include: Timberland Valuation, Data Collection, Data Management, and Data Analysis, Growth and Yield Simulation, and Forest Planning Models. The scope and scale of these services are tailored to provide the necessary information that meets our client’s needs in a cost effective manner.

Design, Layout and Administration of Timber Harvests and Silvicultural Applications

Many stewardship plans will recommend a timber harvest at some point. Whether it be a timber stand improvement harvest, a thinning, or a sustainable harvest of crop trees, WHM administers the sale from beginning to end. We work with the landowner throughout the process to ensure the landowner’s objectives are being met. Services include: timber sale design and layout, tree marking, marketing of timber sales, and timber sale administration. Loggers are evaluated to ensure that the operator is properly trained, has the right equipment, is well recommended, and is sensitive to the objectives of the landowner. We will monitor the operation from beginning to end to ensure that the terms of the contract are being met.

Timber and Timberland Appraisal and Due Diligence

We have the capability of completing each stage or phase of a timber or timberland appraisal in-house. WHM staff can design the specifications and layout of the field inventory to be done, at which point our forester and forest technicians can quickly and efficiently collect the necessary field data required. We would then compile and report the timber and other related data, collect supporting information, analyze the data, form conclusions of value, then prepare the report to meet client specifications. Whether for investment due diligence needs, collateral valuation requirements, estate settlement purposes, general planning and budgeting purposes, or estimating the market value of your property for prospective sale purposes, WHM can provide you with the professional appraisal services you need.

Wildlife Food Plot Design and Construction

Food plots can attract and hold more game on your property. Food plots can also provide increased nutritional value for wildlife during critical periods of the year, resulting in a healthier population. The choices are almost limitless and sometimes confusing. There is a multimillion-dollar business focused on advertising and promoting various wildlife planting, many of which may not be productive in the area where your property is located. WHM can help guide you to a plan that fits your pocketbook and equipment limitations. Location, size and annual maintenance can also be important factors that need be to considered. Management of existing natural vegetation is often a good low cost method for providing improved wildlife food services.

Low Impact Timber Harvests and Timber Stand

Oftentimes WHM sees, landowners saving their timber stands for future harvesting without utilizing any thinning techniques to generate substantial, healthy growth. In most cases, the trees have no means to mature and grow efficiently. By removing poor-quality trees and leaving a substantial stand of healthy, quality trees, the remaining trees are able to grow more quickly and with better form, increasing habitat and wildlife. Low impact timber harvesting is done to minimize the impact on the other trees in the stand.

Invasive Plant Species Control and Herbicide Applications

Invasive species can impact the values for which land is conserved. Natural lands are not fully protected unless they also are managed for the features that first motivated preservation. Invasive species can change community structure, composition, and ecosystem processes on these lands in ways that may not be anticipated or desirable. Careful management can minimize these negative impacts.

Erosion and Sedimentation Management

Pennsylvania’s erosion & sediment (E&S) Control and stormwater management regulations have existed since 1972. However, these rules have recently changed. All farms must have a written plan to reduce erosion from tillage, areas along streams, and animal heavy use areas (AHUAs) disturbing more than 5,000 square feet. (This includes no-till farming and areas lacking vegetation.) Best management practices (BMPs) must be implemented to control soil runoff.

Conservation Easement and Forestland Protection Consulting

Landowners wishing to perpetuate the natural qualities of their land and their legacy of sound stewardship can take advantage of market mechanisms such as conservation easements to meet their conservation goals and possibly limit their tax burden. Such agreements are usually held by a non-governmental organization or government conservation agencies and vary as to their restrictions as well as their financial benefit. WHM has experience working with easement holders as well as landowners and can help guide you in every step of the often complicated process ensuring outcomes that meet your goals and protect your interest.

Due Diligence and Divestment Services

WHM advises and consults on a wide range of acquisitions services, and actively participates in transaction due diligence and research projects associated with acquisition transactions. We assist in documenting and supporting transactional work, forecasting, competition issues, regional material flows, on data collection, and verification projects.

Property Boundary Location and Maintenance

The Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computerized mapping system based upon the state’s plane coordinate system. Layers of information concerning tax parcels, municipal and school district boundaries, soil types, woodland coverage, and flood plains are superimposed onto the plane coordinate map base. This information is used in determining neighborhood boundaries for property valuation and land pricing of agricultural parcels.