Basic elements of a timber sale contract

Abstract

About 85 percent -- 13 million acres -- of Missouri's forestland is owned by private landowners. Each year many of these individuals receive significant income from harvesting timber. However, too many Missouri landowners make the mistake of entering into an oral logging agreement on a handshake. Memory and recollection are not good tools for helping parties resolve conflicts. A written contract reviewed by an attorney is essential. A contract ensures that both the seller and the buyer have a clear understanding of the terms of the logging project, including the timber harvesting practices to be used. A reputable logger will understand the need for a contract.