Woodlot Association of Alberta
c/o Olson Office Management
P.O. Box 303
Beaverlodge, AB
T0H 0C0
TOP
How do I determine goals and objectives for my woodlot?
-----------------------------------------------------
How do I find out what kind of wood I have on my woodlot; how much wood I have on my woodlot; and how much it is worth?
-----------------------------------------------------
What is a mangement plan and how do I get a management plan done for my woodlot?
-----------------------------------------------------
How do I find a contractor? Should I have a written contract and if so, what should it include?
-----------------------------------------------------
Where do I find out about building a woods road? Is there assistance available?
-----------------------------------------------------
Are there silviculture programs available? Where do I find out about them?
-----------------------------------------------------
How do I find out about forestry events?
-----------------------------------------------------
Do I need a surveyor to renew my boundary lines?
-----------------------------------------------------
Are ATV's allowed on my woodlot roads? What is my liability?
-----------------------------------------------------
Q. How do I determine goals and objectives for my woodlot?
A. Information that will help you set realistic goals and objectives and establish your priorities includes:
- Resources available on your woodlot
- Personal resources such as time and money
- Tangible and intangible values you would like to receive from your woodland
Potential goals could include making an annual income, enhancing wildlife or increasing recreational opportunities. Specific objectives to help meet these goals could include establishing a u-cut Christmas tree lot for future income, creating new wildlife habitat or building new trails for recreational activities.
Check the Goals & Objectives section of this web site for more information.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q. How do I find out what kind of wood I have on my woodlot; how much wood I have on my woodlot; and how much it is worth?
A. Professional advice and expertise regarding the species, quantity and value of wood on your woodlot is available from Forestry Consultants, contractors, woodland owner organizations and industry groups located throughout the province.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q. What is a management plan and how do I get a management plan done for my woodlot?
A. A woodland management plan is a detailed written document which includes:
- woodland description
- woodland inventory
- landowner's goals and objectives
- schedule of specific activities designed to meet the landowner's management priorities, including where applicable:
- location
- timeframe
- resources required
- estimated costs
- estimated revenues
Landowners may decide to develop a woodland management plan on their own, or may decide to seek assistance from other sources including Forestry Consultants and Woodland Owner Organizations located throughout the province.
Check the woodland management plan section of this web site for more information.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q. How do I find a harvesting contractor? Should I have a written contract and if so, what should it include?
A. Help in finding a harvesting contractor may be found by contacting your local NS Department of Natural Resources office, Forestry Consultants, Contractors, Woodland Owner Organizations or Industry Groups located throughout the province.
It is highly recommended that you have a written contract with your contractor. In addition to standard contract elements, you should consider including the following:
- type of harvest
- description and/or map of areas to be cut
- identify hazards to contractor (eg sink holes)
- what products to be harvested/how tops will be utilized
- who scales products; product prices; how landowner will be paid (may want to ask for mill receipts)
- when payments will be due
- any assistance/contribution required from landowner
- beginning and ending dates
- determine whether contractor is covered by Workers Compensation and other relevant legislation
- forest/wildlife regulations
- rut size maximum
- roads, trails & boundary lines left in good condition, clear of slash/garbage
- agreements for access over property, if applicable
Landowner liability is also an important issue and it is important that the contract be fulfilled by the property owner as well as the contractor.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q. Where do I find out about building a woods road? Is there assistance available?
A. Check the Roads & Trails section of this site for information and sources about building a road.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q. Are there silviculture assistance programs available? Where do I find out about them?
A. Silviculture assistance is available in Nova Scotia from Registered Wood Buyers with Wood Acquisition Plans and the Association for Sustainable Forestry. Check the Silviculture Programs section of this site for more information.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q. How do I find out about forestry events?
A. A Calendar of Events is maintained on the Woodlot Info Shop web site. Events may also be submitted for posting to the calendar.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q. Do I need a surveyor to renew my boundary lines?
A. A landowner may conduct work to maintain a
boundary line if:
• location of the line is certain;
boundary line evidence will be visible from one
mark to the next when brushed out;
location of the line is not in dispute;
work is being done for the sole purpose of
making a known line more visible.
Commonly accepted boundary line maintenance
practices include:
brushing out;
painting existing blazes;
making additional blazes;
replacing fence posts;
repairing rock mounds.
A qualified Land Surveyor must be
retained to establish a new boundary line or
retrace a boundary line that has become invisible.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q. Are ATVs allowed on my woodlot roads?
A. Provincial regulations prohibit ATV operation in many areas including on private forest lands without permission of the owner.
It is advisable to post signs by your roads where they enter your woodlot to inform ATV operators that it is private woodland and they do not have permission to enter. Gates for your roads are also recommended. Make sure any gates are well marked and highly visible to prevent accidents.