Turn timber land into pasture land

[jaxs]

Lots of people telling you how to spend your money:wizard: without even seeing the land or any clue about possability of erosion. Do your land a favor by seeking advice from someone that at least has seen the land.

 

[Jagsare1]

Lots of people telling you how to spend your money:wizard: without even seeing the land or any clue about possability of erosion. Do your land a favor by seeking advice from someone that at least has seen the land.

Funny you mention that. I have attempted to reach out to the local Ag Service office. Apparently, they exist for the purpose of existing. I have multiple emails to different people in the office who refer me to the person who referred me to them. Nothing but a circle jerk. The only concrete advice I got from them was "I know someone with a bulldozer who you might hire....".

But I totally agree with you that advice from someone local and knowledgeable would be great, just haven't been able to make it happen yet. I don't live on the property yet and I think that it will help me to be there and become immersed in the "local scene" because it is a small town and like many small towns, people are nice enough to help and refer you to people with knowledge. I just need to be there. We are trying. It is going to be a fairly long road of selling our house, taking the land from raw to liveable, build a house, etc etc. Right now, it takes me approx 2 hours to drive to my tractor, load it up on the trailer and drive to the property. This means I am wasting 4 hrs a day just to do anything out there. The inefficiency is driving me nuts. We are looking forward to being out there like you can't believe.

Here are some pics of the property. The areas that look pretty open are anything but. I have cut some trails just so I can access the property.

 

[jaxs]

I'm even more convinced that you should learn more about the land before doing alot to it. I think I am seeing the rows mentioned in your first post. They appear to have been made intentionally but why? And why intentionally create an are that hold's water? Perhaps the ground is naturally wet and rows were created while hearvesting timber. Ask neighboring landowners with land that has been hearvested for help with when,why and who did the hearvesting. If there's a pulpwood or papermill plant nearby,contact them. That might reveal the answers as well as expert advice. What about the grey (look's dead) trees? That look's like culling unwanted trees for timber management. If you plan on putting net fence around the property when you begin pasturing it,do it now and lease land to a goat rancher. Goats will clear growth from ground and as high as they can reach standing on rear legs. After goats clean it up a bit,you will have a better idea of what lie's ahead and doing it will be easier when you can see better.

 

[Jagsare1]

Jaxs, the title was "timber land into pasture land" so that is the answer to some of your questions. Rayonier owned the land and took timber from it. That is where the rows came from. They just didn't do anything after cleaning up the land a bit. Unfortunately, all the neighboring land is or was Rayonier so no real owners to talk to. I've been trying to find a local Rayonier forester because my guess is they would or could be a great source of advice. I think what you are calling "grey trees" is actually dirt. That particular area is still Rayonier. They took timber from that area and did not re-plant. As far as goats, already went down that road. I was told that goats will not eat what I have and a bigger issue is about $30k in fencing that I am not going to spend for now. I will start fencing it myself once I move there.

 

[JethroB]

The photos are very helpful. Planted pines that have been clear cut. I will be in the same boat as you within 5 years after I clear cut mine. I will probably replant in long leaf pines though.

I agree the Rayonier forester could be very helpful if he is so inclined. Perhaps he would like to do a little side consulting. Have you tried finding a local independent forester who could advise you? He would have the local contacts too. Search for registered foresters in your state and area.

 

[Jagsare1]

I just found a contact an hour ago. We are trying to find a time to speak and hopefully he can offer advice. He is an independent forester.

 

[JethroB]

I just found a contact an hour ago. We are trying to find a time to speak and hopefully he can offer advice. He is an independent forester.

Great! I suggest patience as the 2-3 I know do not get in a hurry. They work mostly out of their trucks.

 

[Jagsare1]

I called him and he asked if he could call me back. I told him no rush but I did want to speak to him. Also waiting to hear about a soil test that was supposed to have been done this week. If the soil is what is needed, the county is going to build my road and dig a pond(so they can have the dirt). That has huge repercussions.

 

[JethroB]

I called him and he asked if he could call me back. I told him no rush but I did want to speak to him. Also waiting to hear about a soil test that was supposed to have been done this week. If the soil is what is needed, the county is going to build my road and dig a pond(so they can have the dirt). That has huge repercussions.

A last couple of thoughts. I have found Google Earth and my county tax assessors web site good tools for viewing, marking, and measuring from an overhead perspective. Also drain tile might be an option for moving water in your soil and low areas, but it is expensive.

 

[Ortimber]

I have a side gig doing land clearing, currently working on a previously logged site. Without a doubt, an excavator that is sized appropriately for the job is the best tool in my arsenal. A dozer works good too, but if I had to chose one it’d be an excavator.