Not really a tractor question but seeking opinions

[fried1765]

Well, back in 1989 we bought 20 acres for $30K. Two years later, we had an offer for $60K. Today, $120-130K. As the realtor told us back then, "God isn't making any more land." He had a point. Land only goes up in price. Even if you never build on it, it's an investment for you or your children. Consider it part of a diverse portfolio. If you can afford it, buy it. Eventually, as with most places, civilization will creep towards it. In 20 years, it'll be closer to amenities.

I agree that you should get a consulting forester to do a timber survey of your property, and develop a management plan. We did that with our 20 acres. It had 10 acres of existing trees, a 4 acre field, and a 6 acre field. The state forester developed a management plan for us free of charge. DO NOT TRUST LOGGERS!!! That's been an overwhelming theme on TBN for the 19 years I've been here, so there's probably something to it. Only trust a forester. Better yet, a State Forester. They work for you.

I believe Mark Twain suggested: "buy land, they aren't making it any more".

My mother bought (now 290 year old) house with 11.7 acres in 1932, for $875.
I still have it!
Current development value $2M+

 

[Gem99ultra]

I think you're making a very wise choice WW2017. Picking up a nice area and nice property now while you're still healthy and still working gives you plenty of time to prepare your newly acquired property for retirement.

I think you'll find, either by taking good advice or by painful experience, that tree farming is a losing ordeal. My opinion is to forget about selling off timber and enjoy the surrounding forest. You'll want to have good hobbies for your later years, and piddling around your place couldn't be better. Trying to clean up a major mess the timber barons leave is no fun at all.

 

[MossRoad]

I believe Mark Twain suggested: "buy land, they aren't making it any more".

My mother bought (now 290 year old) house with 11.7 acres in 1932, for $875.
I still have it!
Current development value $2M+

My wife has relatives that moved from Indiana to Californy back in the early 50's in the Santa Rosa area. They paid what they thought was exorbitant price for 3 acres with two houses, something like $8000 back then. About 5-6 years ago, they sold it for a couple million and moved everyone to Idaho, Washington and Oregon with money left over. If only we'd have had a crystal ball. :laughing:

 

[ultrarunner]

My wife has relatives that moved from Indiana to Californy back in the early 50's in the Santa Rosa area. They paid what they thought was exorbitant price for 3 acres with two houses, something like $8000 back then. About 5-6 years ago, they sold it for a couple million and moved everyone to Idaho, Washington and Oregon with money left over. If only we'd have had a crystal ball. :laughing:

It's a scenario often repeated... make your money here and cash out... the states mentioned are very popular for Ex Californians plus AZ...

If we just had a crystal ball

 

[Frankenkubota]

I would find a private forestry person, there are plenty. I致e been dealing with a multitude of govt. offices regarding a forestry plan, prescribed burn, planting to support wildlife......all those wonderful programs.

3 years dealing with our govt. and nothing but double talk and requisite form filling out. I致e given up, all very nice people though, safe and secure in their Teflon careers..........worthless to me.

This is universal. if you ain稚 one of the boys your file stays on the bottom of the pile. Don稚 believe me?

It痴 late in the day, you work for DNR or the who cares dept, you have time to do 1 more file. There is my file ON TOP and your cousin billy bobs file is just under mine, which one you gonna work on?

If you know people in the various govt. departments, you might get some attention.

Hate is a strong word. I hate the govt.