Selling Mature Ponderosa Pines in Southern Colorado

A Rye, CO landowner with 170 mature Ponderosa pines (some 3+ ft diameter) wants to thin for fire mitigation and sell logs for lumber, not firewood.

Professional Guidance Required

Contact Colorado State Forest Service for a consulting forester referral: csfs.colostate.edu/pages/your-local-forester.html (likely Cañon City District).

What a Forester Provides

• Timber cruise (volume/value assessment)
• Marking for selective harvest (fire mitigation + value)
• Buyer solicitation (mills, loggers)
• Contract administration
• Best management practices compliance

Key Considerations

• Ponderosa pine logs have good lumber value at large diameters
• Fire mitigation thinning improves stand health and value
• Professional management ensures fair price and sustainable outcome

Do not negotiate directly with loggers without professional representation. The asset value justifies forester fees.