Forest Inventory

Know exactly what you have in your woods — so you can make smart decisions based on facts.

If you’ve ever wondered “What exactly is in my forest?”— our Forest Inventory service will give you the answers. This service is essentially a detailed tally of your woodland. We collect data on tree species, sizes, ages, and overall forest conditions, and then present it to you in a useful way. For a landowner, having an up-to-date forest inventory is incredibly valuable. It takes the guesswork out of management decisions, timber sales, or simply understanding the health and potential of your property. In short, we help you get the numbers behind your woods, using plainspoken explanations so you know what it all means.

Highlights of our Forest Inventory Service:

• Comprehensive Data Gathering: We systematically cruise your property using proven sampling methods. Our forester will measure trees (height, diameter), identify species, and note the density and condition of different areas (stands) of your forest. By establishing sample plots or transects, we ensure we cover the breadth of your land efficiently while still collecting detailed information.

• Modern Tools and Accuracy: Stevens Forestry uses modern tools like GIS for accurate mapping and to process inventory data. This means you’ll get precise maps of your forest stands and a reliable estimate of timber volumes. We pride ourselves on accuracy — our methods are designed to give you results you can trust, without confusing technical clutter.

• Customized to Your Needs: Whether you have a small woodlot or a large timber tract, we scale our inventory to fit. If you just need a quick estimate for a sale, we can do a less intensive survey focused on merchantable timber. If you want a comprehensive inventory for a management plan or investment purpose, we can intensify the sampling for greater detail. In every case, we’re mindful of your budget and goals, finding the right balance between precision and cost-effectiveness.

• Clear Reporting: After the field work, we analyze the data and compile it into a clear report. The report will typically include a summary of your forest’s composition (tree species and their abundance), an estimate of timber volume (often in board feet or cords, depending on the product), and other relevant observations (like signs of disease, invasive species, or unique features noticed). We include easy-to-read tables and charts, and of course, maps of your property outlining different timber types or stand conditions.

• Practical Insights: Beyond the raw numbers, we explain what the data means for you. For example, if one section of your woods has a lot of mature aspen, we might note it could be ready for a harvest in the next few years. If another area has young hardwoods, we’ll tell you how they’re growing. These insights help you make informed decisions — whether it’s planning a harvest, enrolling in a stewardship program, or simply knowing the approximate value of your timber.

When we carry out a forest inventory, our approach is both thorough and respectful of your land. We start by reviewing any information you already have (perhaps past management plans or inventories, if available) and understanding your main concerns. Then we schedule time on-site where we’ll traverse the property — usually in a grid or predefined pattern — to collect data. We might flag or mark our sample plots temporarily. We take care not to disrupt anything unnecessarily; our goal is to gather information with minimal impact. After the fieldwork, we crunch the numbers and typically can present results within a reasonable timeframe. We’ll meet with you (in person or virtually, as you prefer) to go over the findings. If you’re not familiar with terms like “basal area” or “cords per acre,” we’ll happily explain it so it makes sense. By the end of the process, you’ll have a solid grasp of what resources your forest contains.