Your woods represent one of your most valuable resources. The decision to harvest, and how to do so, can either improve or set back the future value of your land, its potential for wildlife habitat, and as a source of enjoyment for you and your family. Unfortunately, there are many predatory businesses today trying to take advantage of woodlot owners with 'bad' timber contracts that lead to bad timber cuts, especially in Northeast Ohio (Portage County included). These contracts are:
NOT financially good for the landowner
NOT advantageous for wildlife
NOT good for short-term water quality
NOT good for landowners recreational enjoyment of their property
NOT good for property value
NOT good for minimizing soil erosion
NOT ecologically good for the short OR long term health of Ohio’s forests
Our office is partnering with other Northeast Ohio agencies to try to get the word out that you should educate yourself about the economic and environmental value of your forest BEFORE you enter into any agreements to sell the timber on your property. Ohio Division of Forestry participates in the ‘Call Before You Cut’ program and landowners can find useful information by visiting their site http://callb4ucut.com/ohio/ or calling 1-877-424-8288. However, in Portage County we are taking it one step further and advocating that our landowners ‘CALL BEFORE YOU SIGN’ a timber harvest contract! Because once a landowner signs a timber harvest contract, it is too late to change your mind. Even if you change your mind THE SAME DAY (which, sadly, we have had happen in our county) - there is no right to rescind these contracts.
The Portage County Auditor, the Div. of Forestry, NRCS, the Portage Farm Bureau, and PSWCD have joined together to offer a program for Portage residents to learn more about the assistance available for woodlot and wildlife management. Please join us for this informative event (offered at no cost) on Thursday, February 13th, 2020 at Maplewood Career Center, 7075 OH-88, Ravenna 44266 at 6:00 PM.
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: February 8
Resolve to Reduce: Waste & Run-off
Later Event: February 20
Woodland Workshops