Selecting a Professional Logger

Introduction
The Professional Loggers Program (PLP) is a voluntary certification program administered by the New Hampshire Timber Harvesting Council (NHTHC). The intent of the program is to increase safe and productive harvesting and transportation skills while promoting a positive public image of timber harvesting.

PLP graduates include both loggers and forest product truckers who have successfully completed four required courses in such disciplines as first aid & CPR, safe & productive felling, timber harvesting laws, trucking safety and regulations, and the fundamentals of forestry.

To become certified, the candidate must complete all four courses within a two year period. Certification is valid for four years. To maintain certification, the candidate must have earned twenty-four credits for workshops attended or for public service. Examples of appropriate programs or service include: renewal of first aid and CPR certificate; attendance at logging, forestry, or business workshops; membership on town conservation commissions or planning boards; Scout leader; giving talks to schools or civic groups or leadership in logging or forestry organizations. Credits are approved by the Education Committee of the Timber Harvesting Council.

The NHTHC is a growing organization of loggers, forest product truckers and members of forest industry dedicated to promoting the interests of the state's 1,400 loggers and truckers.

The NHTHC is a joint program of the NH Timberland Owners Association, the UNH Thompson School, and UNH Cooperative Extension. The Council's mission is to promote logging professionalism by encouraging safe, productive and responsible timber harvesting & trucking through education, information exchange and cooperative partnerships.

For more information about the NH Timber Harvesting Council or the Professional Loggers Program call (603) 224-9699.

Selecting a Logger
Your forestland is a considerable financial investment as well as a source of personal enjoyment. Making the decision to harvest your timber warrants the same careful attention as any other business transaction. If you choose to hire a logger directly, or through a forester, consider the following points.

Check References

• Talk with landowners who have recently had a timber harvest.
  
• Request the logger provide a list of satisfied landowners.
  
• Consider visiting a site that the logger has previously harvested.

Insurance/Liability

• Request copies of certificates of insurance. These may include:
  
  
  1. General Liability and Completed Operations
     
  2. Auto Liability for log truckers
     
  3. Workers' Compensation: only required if the logger has employees.

Negotiating Prices

• Check stumpage prices offered for your timber with published sources, i.e. NHTOA Timber Crier Quarterly Market Report (603) 224-9699 or The Sawlog Bulletin (603) 444-2549.
  
• Call the local mills directly for the most up-to-date market prices.
  
• Delivered prices offered by the mill are significantly higher than stumpage prices, which reflect the value of your timber "sitting on the stump".

Actual stumpage prices for a given lot of timber are influenced by many factors including, but not limited to: accessibility, timber quality, road distances, market demand, sale volume, species, etc.. Keep this in mind when seeking a reasonable price for your timber. When in doubt, contact your local county UNH Cooperative Extension Forest Resource Educator.

Written Contract

• Insist on a written contract or a Timber Sale Agreement to protect the interests of all parties involved.
  
• Be cautious of high pressure sales tactics. (Trees are dying; markets are collapsing; my equipment is leaving and I'll never be back!)
  
• Never grant permission to harvest your timber over the phone.

Most established loggers want to build a file of satisfied customers and follow customary business practices. With a little homework, a landowner can find a reputable logger who can satisfy their needs.

Certification Reflects Logger Commitment
Certification under the New Hampshire Professional Loggers Program (NHPLP) reflects the commitment of these loggers and truckers to safe, productive, efficient and environmentally responsible timber harvesting and transportation. Participants have contributed valuable production time to take part in these training programs, thus contributing to their own improvement and that of their profession.

As a landowner, forester, forest manager or timber buyer, we hope that you will demonstrate your support for this program by retaining the services of loggers and truckers who have completed the four-course certification.

There are many loggers and truckers throughout New Hampshire who are equally dedicated professionals but who have not yet completed the training offered through the NHPLP, or have chosen not to participate. Many of these individuals also share a strong commitment to their own betterment and to the improvement of their profession.

Workers' Compensation Insurance Coverage
Under NH Law, independent contractors, who only employ themselves, are not required to carry workers' compensation insurance. Many competent and safe independent loggers do not carry this coverage because of its high cost. As with any business relationship, consider the liabilities, have a good contract, and consult with your insurance agent or a lawyer who is well-versed in these matters.

The NH PLP is a Voluntary, Non-regulatory Program
Certification under the NHPLP is strictly voluntary and non-regulatory. As such, the NH Timber Harvesting Council and its co-sponsoring organizations, the NH Timberland Owners Association, the UNH Cooperative Extension, and the UNH Thompson School of Applied Sciences, cannot be held responsible for the actions of loggers or truckers who are certified under this program.

Please e-mail the UNHCE Forestry Information Center for a complete directory.