Remember the good old days, when “Timber was King”? There was a broad, diverse, healthy and competitive market for timber products. For decades, timber prices were strong and rising. Clients were confident, even enthusiastic, about spending money on reforestation in anticipation of solid, competitive financial returns and revenue. Every raindrop grew a sheet of paper … Continue Reading →
Currently, forestland property taxes in Georgia average approximately three times higher than any other state in the Southeastern U.S. Amendment 3 will address this issue by: 1) provide uniformity in the valuation of timberland across the state’s 159 counties, 2) increase the conservation of forestland on properties “at-risk” of conversion to other uses, and 3) … Continue Reading →
A timber harvest is the single most important event during the rotation of a forest stand, and a successful, well-planned timber sale will maximize income to the owner while minimizing adverse impact on other uses of the land.
Florida native Gina Thomas grew up in a paper mill-dominated town, where timber and a thriving paper mill were critical to economic life. “I lived a mile north of the paper mill,” the former Cantonment, Florida, resident recalled. “The whole community was basically centered around the paper mill. Everybody in my family worked there and … Continue Reading →
Recreational leases are a good way to generate some annual income from your property, but there are advantages and problems associated with hunting leases.
For some, timberland may be a large portion of their portfolio or estate value such that it becomes a critical asset that needs to be dealt with expertly.
Property tax assessments and taxes have increased significantly since 2000, and in many cases have added a disproportionate financial burden to rural landowners.
The Internet and real estate websites have made it much easier for buyers to find available properties. This technology has also made it easier for buyers (and sellers) to make mistakes during the evaluation and transaction process.
Landowners who desire to be good stewards of their property realize that a healthy forest is no accident – it does not just happen; it takes effort, involvement, and knowledge to make the best management decisions.
One of the largest expenditures for many timberland owners in Georgia is their annual property tax payment. Property taxes can have a negative impact on timberland’s investment value (net present value) and financial returns over the long term. However, many landowners do have options to reduce their property tax obligations and improve long-term returns from growing timber.