Forestry Assistance

November 26, 2008 - A new report released by the Forest Guild, A Market-Based Approach to Community Wood Energy: An Opportunity for Consulting Foresters, identifies the benefits of community wood energy for rural communities and highlights the central role consulting foresters can play in successful projects. The report utilizes lessons learned from Forest Guild community wood energy pilot projects in Bristol, Vermont and the Mahoosuc Region of Maine and New Hampshire as well as from discussions with Forest Guild members. The report defines a role in these community projects for consulting foresters to develop local networks of family forest landowners to supply wood fuel that is Sustainable, Efficient, Local and Fair (SELF). In addition to consulting foresters, this report may also be of interest to landowners, policy makers, and community activists.

Harnessing the Power of Local Wood Energy is a community resource guide, written by Caitlin Cusack, that weaves technical information with the personal stories of community members who want to heat their local school with sustainably produced woodchips. It details how a rural community can take advantage of the cost savings of wood energy while assuring the wood is sourced and utilized in a "Sustainable, Efficient, Local, and Fair (SELF)" manner.

What is a consulting forester?

Independent consulting foresters are self-employed professional foresters who, for a fee, provide a variety of forestry-related services to the public. Their fees are variable and may be based on an hourly rate, commission, percentage, job, or a combination of these. When you hire a consulting forester, he or she is working for you, so be sure to share your goals for your woodland. For more information on hiring a consulting forester, see the attached document: "Should you hire a consulting forester?" (Adobe Acrobat format).

To find a listing of consulting foresters in your county, click on the county of interest from the list at the bottom of this page. Listings are in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format.